President William Ruto remains resolute in pursuing his administration’s affordable housing initiatives, undeterred by the recent Court of Appeal decision refusing to suspend a High Court order deeming the housing levy unconstitutional.
Addressing the crowd in Kiutine, Meru County, Ruto expressed confidence in proceeding with the housing programs, citing substantial public support that he equated to a divine directive.
“Housing mnasema iendelee ama isiendelee? Wale wanasema housing iendelee nione kwa mikono. Si nyinyi ndio kusema Kenya hii.
Kuna public participation kuliko hii yenu? Amri yenu ndio amri ya Mungu.
Kwa hivyo mimi niko na amri ya kutosha na nitasongesha (housing) mbele,” Ruto affirmed.
Despite the Court of Appeal’s ruling, which highlighted the lack of a legal framework for the Housing Levy, Ruto emphasized the overwhelming public backing and pledged to push forward with the projects, emphasizing their potential to generate numerous job opportunities for Kenyan youth.
In the court’s decision, it stated, “The trial Court held that the Housing Levy was introduced without a legal framework.
It also held that the levy was targeting a section of Kenyans.
In our view, public interest lies in awaiting the determination of the appeal.”
The ongoing disagreement over the Housing levy has triggered clashes between members of the ruling Kenya Kwanza government and opposition-allied legislators regarding its proposed implementation.
Raila Odinga, leader of Azimio la Umoja, has called on all employers to cease remitting the housing levy in adherence to the High Court ruling.
However, Ruto maintains that the housing plan is a crucial cornerstone of his administration, asserting its significance in addressing Kenya’s housing shortage.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged the Judiciary to consider the broader societal impact of its decision, emphasizing that the levy plays a vital role in enabling the government to construct houses on a large scale, thereby alleviating the country’s housing shortage.
