- Atwoli, once seen as a supporter of the Ruto administration, now finds himself at a crossroads. He is under pressure from union members to fight back. Workers want answers. They want fairness. And they want their voices heard.
The Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya), COTU (K), has announced significant advancements for Kenyan workers following a high-level consultative meeting on June 18, 2025 between President William Ruto and COTU (K) Secretary General Francis Atwoli.
Accompanied by Assistant Secretary General Bro. Ernest Nadome and a director from the Affordable Housing Board, this meeting addressed critical issues regarding the administration and use of the Affordable Housing Levy Fund.
The discussions yielded several important resolutions aimed at enhancing the welfare of workers while advancing the government’s housing agenda.
1. Right-Sizing the Markets Development Program
One of the key outcomes is the government’s commitment to right-size the markets development program. This initiative will focus exclusively on the 400 planned markets, halting any further developments.
By reallocating resources, more funding can now be directed toward the construction of affordable housing units, aligning with the primary objectives of the Levy.
2. Infrastructure Alignment with Housing Projects
Moving forward, all physical and social infrastructure will be developed in conjunction with affordable housing projects. In cases where essential facilities, such as schools or clinics, cannot be built on-site, the government will upgrade nearby facilities to ensure they meet community needs, reinforcing the Fund's goals.
3. Prioritizing Levy-Contributing Workers
A significant commitment was made to prioritize salaried workers who contribute to the Affordable Housing Levy when allocating affordable homes. This ensures that those directly supporting the Levy benefit from its initiatives, while those eligible under the social housing category will be considered separately.
4. Reducing the Down-Payment Requirement
To enhance affordability and accessibility, the required down-payment for housing units has been reduced from 10% to 5% of the unit's purchase price. This adjustment is expected to make homeownership more attainable for many Kenyan workers.
5. Establishment of a Special Oversight Committee
To ensure effective implementation of the right-sizing of the markets development program, a special committee will be formed under the Affordable Housing Board. This committee will oversee the program and ensure that any revenues generated from market construction are reinvested into delivering affordable homes.
Awoli says that COTU (K) expresses gratitude for the government’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding the interests of Kenyan workers.
“The organization particularly commends the President for his willingness to engage, listen, and act on the concerns raised, thereby reinforcing the central role of workers in national development,” he said.
