In Summary,

• Residents in Bahati and Molo support the Bill but want amendments to make it more inclusive and help low-income earners own houses.
• A former slum upgrade program participant recommends involving experienced people in the Affordable Housing Fund.
• Committee Chair Hon. Kuria clarified that building applications and a 10% deposit are required, not just paying the housing levy.

Residents of Nakuru County are urging for the introduction of a Land Use Policy to bolster the Affordable Housing Program for their region.

They specifically advocate for the policy to include guidelines designating areas for agriculture, even as the Affordable Housing Program aims to minimize the division of fertile land and improve food security.

The public participation in Nakuru marked the seventh engagement with the public in an exercise aimed at collecting views and memoranda on the Affordable Housing Bill, 2023.

Members of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning during public hearings for Affordable Housing Bill 2023 in Nakuru County

The House team comprising of the Committee on Housing, Urban Development and Public Works which is sitting jointly with the Committee on Finance and National Planning is led by Hon. Johana Ng’eno.

In support of this initiative, Prof. Isaac O. Kibwage, the Vice Chancellor of Egerton University, emphasized the looming threat of food insecurity due to the continuous division of arable land.

He highlighted that passing the Affordable Housing Bill could aid agricultural communities in preserving more land for farming.

Prof. Kibwage, a representative from Kisii County, emphasized the urgency of allocating more land for agriculture, given the diminishing availability.

He stressed the need to act promptly, considering that by 2050, Kenya’s population is expected to reach 91 million. He proposed the enactment of the housing plan as a crucial step in ensuring food security for the country.

Additionally, he urged legislators to allocate resources for universities and tertiary institutions to construct student hostels. Prof. Kibwage acknowledged that immediate payment might be challenging for these institutions but suggested they would eventually fulfil their financial commitments.

Public hearings in Bahati and Molo Constituencies received positive feedback on the Bill, with residents suggesting amendments to enhance inclusivity and facilitate homeownership for low-income earners through affirmative action.

Participants recommended learning from past programs to address any shortcomings and ensure the effectiveness of the Affordable Housing Program.

Ms. Loise Kiige, a former participant in the Boma Yetu Housing program, proposed considering individuals with experience in similar initiatives for appointments to the proposed Affordable Housing Fund.

Responding to concerns about housing unit allocations, Hon. Kuria Kimani, the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning, clarified that formal application processes were necessary.

He emphasized that the housing levy, earmarked for affordable housing and slum upgrades, did not guarantee housing unit allocation. Applicants must undergo the application process and pay the required 10% deposit.

Another proposal discussed during the session was the establishment of a legal framework enabling Saccos to finance their members in acquiring housing units.

Hon. Kuria assured residents that the Committee would consider this proposal during their retreat when reviewing public submissions across 19 counties.

King Charles III Under Fire for Upgrading Royal Properties with Assets of Intestate Citizens

The lavish real estate portfolio of King Charles III is once again embroiled in controversy, this time over his reported use of an obscure feudal law to acquire assets from deceased British citizens without heirs.

The Duchy of Lancaster, a historic estate known for generating significant income for the King, stands at the center of the issue. Under a centuries-old legal principle called “bona vacantia,” assets of intestates – those who die without a will or living relatives – within the Duchy’s jurisdiction automatically fall to the Crown.

While the Duchy has long claimed to channel these funds towards charities, a recent investigation by The Guardian revealed a different story. Over the past decade, an estimated $76 million generated through bona vacantia has reportedly been directed towards renovations and upgrades on Duchy properties, boosting their rental value and profitability.

This practice, deemed “antiquated” and opaque by critics, has sparked public outcry. Friends of deceased individuals whose assets were allegedly used this way expressed outrage, stating that the deceased “would turn in his grave” if they knew their wealth was enriching the royal coffers.

The revelation that these “free money” funds, referred to as a “slush fund” by insiders, were never publicly disclosed further amplifies concerns about transparency and accountability within the Duchy.

King Charles III himself has remained silent on the matter, but a Duchy spokesperson defended the practice, claiming it aligns with a policy of using funds for “restoration and repair” of historic buildings. However, critics argue that this rationale masks a self-serving motive to enhance the King’s personal holdings through dubious means.

As public scrutiny intensifies, King Charles III faces mounting pressure to address the ethical concerns surrounding this controversial inheritance practice and demonstrate greater transparency in the management of his vast landed wealth.

In Summary,

• Fatma Rajab, a journalist in Mombasa, needs urgent heart valve replacement surgery.
• The family cannot afford the cost of the procedure.
• They appeal for help from well-wishers, NGOs, and the government.
• Any contribution can help save Fatma’s life.

Fatma Rajab, a 27-year-old journalist in Mombasa, Kenya, is battling a serious heart condition. Diagnosed with rheumatic heart disease at 14, she now urgently needs valve replacement surgery.

Fatma’s journey has been a tough one. In 2014, she underwent valve replacement in India, funded by generous community support. Sadly, the prosthetic valve has worn out, forcing her to face the ordeal again.

Hospitalized at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, Fatma’s condition is stable but critical. The procedure can be done locally for under Sh1 million, a significantly lower cost compared to the Sh1.8 million quoted by Nairobi hospitals.

However, the financial burden remains immense for Fatma’s family. They’ve already exhausted resources, including selling property, to ensure her previous treatment.

With limited options, Fatma’s family and fellow journalists are desperately reaching out for help. They plead with well-wishers, NGOs, and the government to lend a hand in saving their daughter’s life.

This is a call to action for anyone who can help. Every contribution, big or small, can make a difference in giving Fatma a fighting chance.

Please share this story and consider donating to support Fatma’s fight for life.

Exciting news, travellers! Kenya is officially open for business, with a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system replacing the old visa process. This means a simpler, faster entry for everyone, whether you’re planning a safari adventure, a relaxing beach getaway, or a vibrant city break.

Here’s what you need to know:

Say goodbye to visas, and hello to ETAs: Before you pack your bags, head over to www.etakenya.go.ke and fill out the short online application. It’s like a quick introduction to you and your Kenyan plans – think about travel dates, where you’re staying, and any other details the immigration folks might need.

Easy as 1-2-ETA: Once approved, your ETA is your golden ticket to Kenya. Print it out or save it on your phone, and make sure you have it handy when you board your flight. Airlines can’t let anyone without an ETA on board, so be prepared to show it off!

No free pass, but a warm welcome: Remember, even with an ETA, the final decision on who gets to explore Kenya’s beauty lies with the immigration officers. Follow the rules, be honest about your plans, and you’ll have a smooth entry.

Tech-powered security: Airlines will be sending passenger info to immigration, so think of it as a friendly heads-up. And just a heads-up, providing false information comes with a hefty fine, so keep it real!

Kenya’s open arms: This new ETA system reflects Kenya’s commitment to welcoming the world with open arms. President Ruto himself announced this historic move, and the whole country is buzzing with excitement.

So pack your bags, book your flights, and get ready to experience the magic of Kenya. With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and warm hospitality, Kenya is ready to be your next unforgettable adventure.

Bonus tip: Learn a few Swahili phrases to impress the locals! “Jambo” means hello, “Habari yako?” means how are you, and “Asante” is thank you. You’ll be a pro in no time!