New plan to end housing crisis
City Hall plans to set up a corporation that will use public funds to provide housing for residents.
The Nairobi City County Housing Corporation Bill, 2014 is one of the five Bills expected to be tabled in the Assembly for debate as the county moves to put in place legislation effecting Schedule Four of the Constitution.
The Bill is also expected to set up a housing fund. These funds are used for construction of affordable housing, provision of cheap mortgage among other functions and funded by dedicated revenue streams or budgetary allocation.
Loans
“The Bill must provide for loans and grants of public monies for construction of houses; to establish a housing fund and a housing board for these purposes,” reads the brief on the Bill.
Given the high interest rates, housing funds could provide cheap mortgage alternatives.
The Civil Service Housing Fund for example, provided mortgages at rates of five per cent to civil servants who bought houses at the Ngara housing estate two years ago.
The Assembly is also set to debate The Nairobi City County Petition to County Assembly (Procedure) Bill. The Bill explains the procedure a civilian can follow to have his/her grievances debated in the Assembly as the Constitution demands.
“A person has a right to petition a county assembly to consider any matter within its authority, including enacting, amending or repealing any of its legislation,” says the County Governments Act from which the Bill is derived from.
The Plastic Materials Control Bill on the other hand could see the county ban the use of plastic bags. It particularly targets bags used in shopping malls.
“Where a ban is necessary, it must chiefly target the use of non-compostable plastic carry-out bags at points of sale by retailers,” reads its brief.
The Fire and Disaster Management Bill seeks to create fire, rescue services and disaster management directorate that will oversee hiring and training of fire fighters.
The Environmental Management Authority Bill will set up a County Environmental Authority that will be charged with conservation.