By Morris Aron

National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has clarified that it has not changed terms and conditions for sale of Nyayo Embakasi houses.

NSSF said letters sent out to those who had applied to buy the houses marks the second stage of the selling, which has been characterised by intense demand and competition for the limited units.

"We have more than 2,000 people who have been short-listed for the second round out of more than 4,000 applicants, while we only have 674 houses to sell," said Alex Kazongo, NSSF managing trustee.

"There is high demand for houses targeted at the middle income in Nairobi a fact that can pose a challenge when disposing competitively priced units," Mr Kazongo said.

Letters sent by NSSF to buyers who qualified from the first round are requesting potential home owners to increase their deposits and if possible raise the entire buying price.

Same terms

The letters sent on October 29 read: "The terms of sale will remain as provided earlier. The units are few and preference will be given to those who will be interested in the purchase terms." "Those who may not raise the total purchase price but are able to raise a higher deposit will enjoy an added advantage in the allocation," the notice adds.

The first round — that was on a first-come-first-serve basis — only required individuals to raise a ten per cent deposit and a proof of their ability to pay the remainder on monthly instalments.

NSSF also clarified that it had revised upwards house prices by between Sh250,000 and Sh550,000 due to a time lapse in the date of completion and escalation in the cost of building materials.

The sale of the houses is due for completion in the next thirty days.