KUSO President Anthony Manyara Backs Affordable Housing, Says It'll End Accommodation Crisis

• KUSO boss Anthony Manyara has pledged support for President William Ruto's affordable housing project
• Manyara said that the project would relieve students grappling with accommodation issues in various institutions
• He blamed the opposition and Judiciary for politically criticising the project despite knowing the problems faced by families who cannot secure affordable houses

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Kenya University Students Organisation's president, Anthony Manyara, has announced the union's resolve to support the affordable housing project.

Manyara clarified that the decision was not driven by political motives, but by a commitment to safeguarding the country's economic future.

"To President Ruto: We echo a call to sidestep the distractions and judicial hindrances, forging ahead with unwavering determination. Our support for the Affordable Housing Levy is not a surrender to the government's beck and call; it's a solemn pledge to secure the future of Kenya," said Manyara.

Why is KUSO supporting affordable housing?

In a press statement on January 6, seen by TUKO.co.ke, the KUSO boss highlighted that the housing project would alleviate accommodation problems faced by many students at various universities.

He believes that students who lack access to proper shelter are at risk of experiencing security issues, including physical assault and other challenges.

"A mere 16% find refuge within school-provided accommodations, leaving the majority to grapple with slum dwellings or exorbitant private developments. These places, marred by insecurity, breed an unsettling panorama of risks, including assault, violence, and theft.

While the promises of 2021 dissolved into thin air, the strides made in 2023 towards inclusive student housing in the national plan offer a glimmer of hope. Advertisements promising shelter to nearly 70,000 students signify a welcome shift," he went on.

Why is opposition against affordable housing project?

Manyara claimed that the opposition and the Judiciary oppose the transformative project due to political bias, disregarding the future effects on disadvantaged students and families unable to secure safer housing.

"Opposition forces have rallied against this vital initiative. Political adversaries, in their clamour for discord, have labelled this levy as an oppressor in an already taking off economy. The Judiciary, too, has cast a shadow over this noble endeavour, but we cannot help but wonder if these actions are a product of pure judicial prudence or acts of manipulation. We cannot let the shadows of politics eclipse the radiance of progress," he added.

William Ruto to collect more housing taxes

On January 3, a three-judge bench led by Lady Justice Lydia Achode said the government would continue to collect the tax until the case is determined on January 26.

“In the meantime, the status quo obtained as of today shall be maintained until the delivery of the ruling,” ruled Lydia Achode, John Mativo and Mwaniki Gachoka.

The win followed a decision to suspend the implementation of the project citing a lack of relevance to the constitution.