President William Ruto has appointed Jeremiah Ndambuki Simu as the new chair of the Affordable Housing Board. This appointment, effective from July 5, 2024, marks a significant shift in leadership aimed at accelerating the development of affordable housing across Kenya.
The announcement was made through a Gazette Notice dated July 5, where President Ruto detailed that Simu will serve a three-year term. The new appointment also sees the revocation of Linda Nkatha Gichuiya’s position as chair, a role she had occupied for a mere three months.
Jeremiah Simu’s primary mandate as chair will involve overseeing the implementation of affordable housing programs nationwide. His role is crucial in coordinating the utilization of the housing levy to ensure effective and efficient delivery of housing projects. The housing levy is a pivotal component of the funding mechanism designed to support the ambitious Affordable Housing Program.
Under Simu’s leadership, the board is expected to streamline processes, enhance stakeholder engagement, and ensure that housing projects align with the government’s broader goals of reducing the housing deficit and improving living conditions for low and middle-income Kenyans. His experience and vision are anticipated to bring a renewed vigor to the board’s efforts, fostering a more organized and transparent approach to housing development.
The Affordable Housing Program is a cornerstone of President Ruto’s administration, aimed at providing decent and affordable housing to millions of Kenyans. This initiative is part of the government’s broader agenda to improve infrastructure and support economic growth by creating job opportunities within the construction sector.
Simu’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to reinvigorate the program, addressing any bottlenecks and ensuring that the housing projects are completed on time and within budget. As he steps into this critical role, stakeholders and citizens alike will be watching closely to see how his leadership will impact the trajectory of affordable housing in Kenya.
