Kenya’s President Signs Controversial Housing Levy Bill Amid Public Backlash

Kenya’s President William Ruto has signed a controversial bill into law, allowing the government to continue collecting a housing levy of 1.5% of a worker’s monthly pay to fund the construction of affordable housing for low-income citizens.

The levy has sparked widespread criticism, with opposition voices and the public viewing it as an additional burden amid a slew of new taxes. The bill was amended and ratified by Members of Parliament last week.

However, the levy forms part of a broader finance law passed last June, which also saw a doubling of the sales tax on fuel and a heightened health insurance levy.

The government argues that bolstering tax revenues is essential to narrowing the budget deficit and funding essential public services.