By Mumo Judah, Nairobi, June 3, 2026
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has sought a formal statement from the Senate Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources over alleged irregular development of Affordable Housing projects on public and community land across the country.
The senator raised concern over findings contained in the Auditor-General’s report on the Affordable Housing Programme, which indicate that several projects may have been implemented without proper land allocation, valid ownership documentation, or full compliance with statutory procedures governing public land use.
He warned that the reported irregularities could represent breaches of multiple constitutional provisions, including those relating to governance principles, property rights, and land management. He further pointed to potential violations of key legislation governing land registration, land use planning, public finance management, and community land administration.
Omtatah also expressed concern that the findings suggest possible systemic failures involving key implementing institutions, including the State Department for Housing and Urban Development and the National Land Commission, particularly in relation to due diligence and land verification processes before project rollout.
In his request to the Senate, the lawmaker is seeking a comprehensive register of all Affordable Housing projects flagged in the Auditor-General’s report for lacking proper land ownership documentation. He also wants detailed information on the location of each project and its current implementation status.
The senator further wants clarity on the legal status of the land on which the projects have been developed, including whether proper procedures were followed in allocation, reservation, conversion, or transfer of ownership before construction commenced.
He has also asked the committee to examine compliance with constitutional requirements on public participation and community consent, particularly in cases where projects are situated on community land governed under existing land laws.
Omtatah is further seeking details on any steps taken to regularize land ownership for affected projects, including issuance of titles or leasehold interests to ensure legal protection for beneficiaries and to safeguard public investments.
In addition, the senator wants information on disciplinary or corrective action taken against any officials or institutions found responsible for the alleged irregularities. He has also called for a review of enforcement measures aimed at ensuring compliance with land governance and planning regulations in ongoing and future housing developments.
The statement also seeks an update on whether investigative agencies, including the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, have launched formal inquiries into the matter, and if so, the current status and progress of those investigations.
The concerns add to growing parliamentary scrutiny of the Affordable Housing Programme, with lawmakers increasingly questioning land acquisition processes, compliance with planning laws, and the overall governance framework guiding the large-scale national housing initiative.
The Senate committee is expected to review the matter and table its response in the House after consultations with relevant ministries and oversight agencies.
