Atwoli demands proof from PS Hinga of COTU’s backing for housing policy
Atwoli challenged Hinga to present proof that COTU was involved in endorsing the Affordable Housing Act, emphasizing that the union’s Executive Board never convened to discuss or approve such regulations.
Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has dismissed claims made by the Principal Secretary for Housing and Urban Development, Charles Hinga, who alleged that the union played a role in formulating the regulations governing the Affordable Housing program.
In a formal statement, Atwoli challenged Hinga to present proof that COTU was involved in endorsing the Affordable Housing Act, emphasizing that the union’s Executive Board never convened to discuss or approve such regulations.
Atwoli also accused the government of misusing funds collected from the Affordable Housing levy, claiming the money was being redirected to finance other projects, including the construction of markets.
"As COTU (K) we have never been consulted, either formally or informally, in the development, review. approval of the current Affordable Housing Regulations. In fact, at no point did the Executive Board of COTU (K), which is the legally mandated organ responsible for such organizational decisions, sit to deliberate or resolve to support the said regulations," he said.
"If indeed PS Hinga claims that COTU (K) was involved, we challenge him to produce ANY written resolutions, minutes, or official correspondence from COTU (K)'s Executive Board endorsing the drafting or content of the current regulations. If anything, we have NEVER received any communication from the Affordable Housing Board or from PS Hinga inviting COTU (K) to give their views on the regulations."
Atwoli also clarified that Bro. Ernest Nadome, COTU’s representative on the Affordable Housing Fund Board, does not have the authority to represent the entire trade union without explicit approval from the Executive Board.
"It is misleading and, frankly, dishonest to assume that one individual’s presence on a board reflects the official stance of COTU (K). For the record, Bro. Nadome has already informed COTU (K) leadership that the union was not consulted or involved in approving the regulations. The PS should stop misguiding Kenyan workers,” Atwoli stated.
He further called on President William Ruto to step in and ensure that funds from the Affordable Housing levy are used exclusively for building homes for Kenyans.
Atwoli’s comments follow his earlier criticism this week, where he accused the government of deviating from its original commitment to use the Affordable Housing levy exclusively for building homes.
“According to the Affordable Housing Regulations, funds from the housing levy are now, mistakenly, being allocated to construct health facilities, early childhood education centers, basic schools, fire stations, police posts, social halls, markets, and open spaces all under the pretext of supporting social infrastructure,” Atwoli pointed out.
In response, PS Hinga accused COTU of misleading the public, asserting that the union was involved in the drafting process of the law that includes both housing and related facilities.
“COTU had direct representation in the committees that developed this Act and its regulations. Even back in 2018, the Act explicitly covered houses as well as the social and physical infrastructure needed to make settlements functional,” the PS stated.
