Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has raised concerns over the quality of work at the Bomet Affordable Housing Project, questioning the standards applied by contractors tasked with delivering one of the government’s flagship projects.
During her recent visit to the site, Passaris did not hold back in her assessment, describing the workmanship as substandard and “looking like it was done by Jua Kali.” Her remarks highlight growing scrutiny on the Affordable Housing Program (AHP), which the government has been championing as a solution to Kenya’s urban housing crisis.
Passaris emphasized that taxpayers deserve value for money, especially in projects that are being funded through the controversial housing levy. According to her, Kenyans are already making financial sacrifices, and the least they should expect is durable, well-finished housing units built to international standards.
“If this is what we are calling affordable housing, then we have a serious problem. Our people are contributing money, and what I’m seeing here looks like shortcuts have been taken. We cannot accept Jua Kali finishes on multi-billion projects,” she reportedly said.
The legislator further challenged the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development to intensify oversight on contractors and ensure accountability in project delivery. She noted that poor workmanship not only undermines public confidence but could also compromise the safety and lifespan of the buildings.
Her sentiments come at a time when the Affordable Housing Program has faced mixed reactions from the public—while many Kenyans welcome the idea of home ownership, others remain skeptical about the levy deductions, transparency in allocation, and the actual quality of units being constructed.
Passaris’ blunt remarks in Bomet are likely to spark debate on whether some contractors are cutting corners to maximize profits. With the housing project meant to be a model of the government’s vision for affordable living, stakeholders are now calling for stronger monitoring frameworks to ensure Kenyans get value for their hard-earned money.
As the government pushes forward with its ambitious plan to deliver over 200,000 units annually, one thing remains clear: leaders like Passaris will not hesitate to call out shoddy work that risks derailing the promise of affordable, decent housing for all.
