President William Ruto is staring at a new crisis after a section of politicians within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed 3% housing levy.
There has been a lot of discussion surrounding the tax proposals by the Kenya Kwanza government. This is after the Budget committee proposed some changes in the finance bill of 2023 whee they proposed some tax increase on some products. The 3% tax levy in specific seems to have increased more temperature as most people are condemning the manner in which it’s being put across.
According to the proposal, the Kenya Kwanza government is seeking to raise money for affordable housing by taxing 3% mandatory tax from all salaried employees. The proposal has received a lot of opposition from the Azimio camp with now the allies of and those in government joining the call.
On May 19, differences between supporters and opponents of the housing fund played out in West Pokot between Deputy Governor Robert Komolle and Senator Julius Murgor who read from different scripts concerning the housing fund.
“In my view, I would propose the 3% housing levy to come around next year when the economy has stabilized. Our teachers and workers in the county government are not ready to make the contribution of 3 per cent,” stated Komolle.
While speaking at the same event Senator Julius Murgor who are all the UDA leaders said that the finance bill 2023 will pass without any amendments. This means that the tax levy inclusive will have to sail through and salaried employees will have to part the 3% to the affordable housing program.
“Our president has stated that there are two ways: we pay taxes so that we sustain ourselves or we borrow loans and we sink as a country,” stated Murgor.
The same spilt is also being displayed in the Central region where Ruto enjoys massive support. This was after Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge, opposed the proposal that the housing fund be imposed on all workers. Mathenge said that the tax should be made voluntary and not to be forced on all Kenyans.
“We could amend the issue to the contribution to the housing fund and make it voluntary for those that feel it is attractive,” Mathenge explained.
Source;
by: DrArogo