Respect Workers’ Money!” – Atwoli Begs Ruto to Stop Housing Levy Diversion
The Secretary-General of COTU, Francis Atwoli, has sounded the alarm over the alleged redirection of housing levy funds. He now calls on President William Ruto to step in and stop the storm from escalating.
“We are calling upon His Excellency the President, Dr William Samoei Ruto, to urgently intervene and ensure that the Affordable Housing Levy remains dedicated to delivering decent, dignified and affordable homes for Kenyans,” Atwoli stated on Saturday, June 7.
Billions at Risk as COTU, Housing Ministry Clash
At the centre of this heated battle is the Affordable Housing Levy, a fund meant to provide workers with better homes. However, COTU claims the money might be misused for other government projects.
“If this trend persists, the affordable housing levy would soon be redirected to other development projects like the building of roads, dams, and other heavy expense projects while leaving workers exposed without decent housing,” warned Atwoli.
The union believes that the government may be double-dipping, planning to use the levy to build amenities already covered by the national budget. These include hospitals, schools, social halls, markets, and even police posts.
COTU Denies Involvement in Drafting Controversial Rules
Just days earlier, COTU protested that they were not consulted on the new regulations governing the housing levy. But Housing PS Charles Hinga hit back swiftly.
“It came as a surprise to us, the statement by COTU, because COTU was one of the very few organisations that had the privilege of drafting the Act. They are actually represented in person,” Hinga fired back on Friday, June 6.
But COTU didn’t stay silent. They dismissed Hinga’s claims and accused him of twisting facts.
“Our representative’s role in the Affordable Housing Fund Board did not extend to making independent decisions on behalf of COTU,” they argued.
They now challenge the PS to show written proof—minutes, resolutions, or letters—clearly stating COTU’s support for the current regulations.
Workers Want Answers, Not Excuses
Tension continues to rise as millions of Kenyan workers watch the unfolding drama. They are the ones funding the levy and now fear their money may not serve its intended purpose.
Atwoli’s emotional plea for
“Workers deserve better. Their money must go to houses, not politics,” one Nairobi resident commented online.
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Respect Workers’ Money!” – Atwoli Begs Ruto to Stop Housing Levy Diversion
