President William Ruto while speaking on Sunday, May 21 defended the 3pc Housing levy noting that it is a collective business for Kenyans.
The President stated that Kenya belongs to everyone, and each citizen should be involved on issues that concern the country.
“Many people have questioned me why I am bothering them with all of this; some are asking me whether they asked me for a house and why I want to deduct their money. This country belongs to all of us,” he said.
“It is our collective business as the people of Kenya to make sure that we work together for this nation, and we must carry everybody along.” He added.
Also Read: Kenyans to Contribute 3pc of their Income Towards Housing Fund
The head of state last month noted that the state will strengthen the Housing Fund to help more Kenyans purchase affordable housing units.
According to the head of state, there must be a solid plan to address the financing of low-income earners to consume the units even as the government rolls out the affordable housing program.
“Every employee who contributes 3 percent, the law will compel their employer to also contribute 3 percent to the Housing kitty,” he added.
Moreover, he added that civil servants will also benefit from the program.
As such, the Treasury has formally proposed changes to the Employment Act through the Finance Bill 2023, which has been tabled in the National Assembly for approval to allow deductions of 3 percent from employees’ basic pay to aid in Ruto’s plan to construct affordable housing for Kenyans.
Nonetheless, the proposal to deduct 3pc for housing from public service workers has elicited mixed reactions from Kenyans with heavy criticism from different quarters including the opposition.
