Commenting on the Affordable Housing Bill poised to become law on Tuesday, March 19, Thirdway Alliance Party leader Ekuru Aukot has raised significant concerns about the implementation plans set forth by President William Ruto's government.
Aukot, speaking on Tuesday, March 19, questioned the government's strategy for executing the contentious bill, particularly focusing on the criteria for taxation and the utilization of the collected funds.
Aukot, appearing on Citizen TV, expressed dismay over the government's failure to elucidate its taxation strategy, stating, "The stickiest question the government has failed to elucidate on is the criteria it plans to use to tax Kenyans and also utilize the collected monies."
He further criticised Ruto's administration for allegedly disappointing Kenyans living below the poverty line, contradicting earlier promises of upliftment.
"The presidency of William Ruto is what Kenyans can now agree was a long con," Aukot asserted, adding, "It was promising Kenyans heaven and earth...but now the law that has been passed in Parliament is punishing that person."
Aukot also took aim at the housing programme associated with the bill, highlighting its lack of clarity regarding the distribution of constructed homes.
He argued that the homes would likely remain accessible only to the financially capable, despite contributions from the poor. "We don't even know the formula of distribution of those houses," he remarked, emphasizing the oversight in the legislative process.
The Affordable Housing Bill, which faced legal hurdles in the past, recently received approval from both the Senate and the National Assembly.
Notably, amendments were introduced, including the involvement of county governments.
President Ruto is expected to assent to the bill, thereby reinstating housing levy deductions.
Under the proposed legislation, all Kenyans, whether salaried or not, would be required to contribute 1.5% of their monthly pay to the Affordable Housing Fund. However, the levy has been a subject of contention, with legal challenges citing discrimination and constitutional violations.
A three-judge bench previously ruled the housing levy collection unconstitutional, prompting revisions to the bill.
Despite these setbacks, the government aims to implement the levy deductions by the end of March 2024.
Aukot reiterated his concerns, particularly regarding the enforceability of the law and its implications for the majority of Kenyans. He criticised President Ruto's alleged disregard for the rule of law and accused him of manipulating parliamentary processes to push through controversial legislation.
Responding to Aukot's criticisms, Beatrice Elachi, an MP, urged for a focus on providing solutions and guiding Kenyans forward.
However, Aukot's assertions underscore lingering doubts and criticisms surrounding the Affordable Housing Bill, reflecting a broader scepticism towards the government's policies and implementation strategies.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah on Monday, March 18, announced that he was moving to court to block the revised iteration of the Housing Levy.
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