Housing Levy Sparks Uproar as KHRC, Lobbies Petition Court to Halt Deductions
A storm is brewing over President William Ruto’s affordable housing plan after the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and several lobby groups filed a petition to stop the controversial housing levy. The groups argue that the levy is not only unconstitutional but also economically devastating for millions of Kenyans.
“This Levy Is Crushing Us”—Petitioners Demand Urgent Action
On Friday, KHRC, alongside Transparency International Kenya, Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi, Siasa Place, and the Institute for Social Accountability, moved to the High Court. They claimed the levy has pushed salaried Kenyans deeper into poverty.
“The levy strips workers of income needed for food, healthcare, and education,” the petition read. “It’s socially retrogressive and economically harmful,” they added.
They cited President Ruto’s recent announcement that 20% of housing units would be reserved for teachers and Harambee Stars players. According to them, this proves the fund has become a political tool.
“This is blatant favouritism. Public resources must serve all, not a chosen few,” KHRC stated.
“Unconstitutional and Discriminatory”—Groups Challenge Legal Basis
The petitioners want Sections 3, 4, 5, and 12 of the Housing Act declared null and void. These sections operationalize the mandatory 1.5% salary deduction matched by employers.
“The levy violates multiple constitutional provisions,” the groups argued. “It promotes unfair administrative actions and lacks transparency,” they added.
They also pointed out that over 20 million Kenyans in the informal sector are excluded from the program, making it discriminatory.
Court Previously Upheld Law, But Petitioners Say Grounds Are New
“Our case is based on different grounds,” they clarified. “We’re focusing on economic harm and misuse of public funds,” they added.
They included the Treasury CS, Lands CS, Affordable Housing Board, and KRA as respondents.
“Kenyans Are Struggling”—Petition Cites Grim Economic Data
Using data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, the petitioners painted a bleak picture. They noted that over one-third of Kenyans live below the poverty line.
“Food inflation and stagnant wages are eroding household incomes,” the petition warned.
“This downturn is linked to elevated costs and reduced investment,” they concluded.
Now, the petitioners want the High Court to suspend all deductions and declare the levy unconstitutional.
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Housing Levy Sparks Uproar as KHRC, Lobbies Petition Court to Halt Deductions
