Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-02-01 12:55:21
The Minority Leadership in the National Assembly is seeking a refund of the Sh4.5 million deducted from the salaries of 418 MPs as 1.5 percent housing levy for the month of January 2024. They have petitioned the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) to immediately refund the deduction, citing pressure from Kenyans and the unconstitutionality of the levy.
The pressure to drop the controversial housing levy has been building, with President William Ruto being urged to abandon it due to its unpopularity and the tough economic times facing the country. In response to this, the Minority Leadership in the National Assembly has taken action to address the issue.
In a letter to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who chairs the PSC, the MPs’ employer, National Assembly Minority leader Opiyo Wandayi has stated that the deductions are unconstitutional and in violation of a Court of Appeal ruling. Despite the court’s order, the PSC proceeded to implement the 1.5 percent housing levy deductions from the salaries of MPs and parliamentary staff for the month of January 2024. Mr. Wandayi has requested a commitment from the PSC to immediately refund the January 2024 housing levy deductions to Members and PSC staff.
The Court of Appeal judges had refused to extend the High Court orders allowing the government to continue collecting the housing levy pending the determination of the main appeal before the court. The High Court had ruled the levy unconstitutional and discriminatory towards a section of Kenyans in informal employment. Mr. Wandayi expressed his concern that the PSC proceeded with the deductions in clear violation of the court’s orders.
It remains to be seen how Speaker Wetang’ula will respond to Mr. Wandayi’s letter, especially considering his notice of appeal against the Court of Appeal’s decision on the housing levy. However, Speaker Wetang’ula did not respond to inquiries on his known telephone number.
The issue of housing levy deductions has caused controversy, particularly as the remuneration of MPs in Parliament is determined by the positions they hold in the House leadership. Despite the controversy, the Court of Appeal ruling effectively halted further deductions from the salaries of employees for the affordable housing program pending the hearing and determination of the main appeal.
President Ruto had pledged to build 250,000 affordable housing units in the country to address the housing deficit. However, it is clear that the implementation of the housing levy has faced legal challenges and opposition from the political leadership in Parliament. The issue remains unresolved, and it will be interesting to see how it develops in the coming months.
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