Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-03-18 11:36:58
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah made headlines on Monday, March 18, as he announced his intention to challenge the revised version of the Housing Levy in court. Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Omtatah revealed that he was in the final stages of preparing a petition to block the implementation of the Affordable Housing Bill, which had been passed by both the National Assembly and Senate.
Omtatah highlighted that the petition would address the amendments made to the Bill by the Senate on March 12. The National Assembly subsequently approved the amended version on March 14. National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah had expressed his determination to ensure that the Bill was signed into law by mid-March, reinstating the 1.5% salary deductions for all employed Kenyans to support the Affordable Housing program.
Failure to accept the Senate’s amendments would have necessitated mediation between the two houses, potentially prolonging the legislative process. President William Ruto had initially planned to sign the Bill into law on Saturday, but the signing was postponed to March 18 and then further rescheduled to Tuesday.
Omtatah’s petition aims to halt the collection of funds by Ruto’s administration, with legal proceedings anticipated to commence at the High Court and possibly extend to the Supreme Court. In the absence of interim orders halting the deductions until a final court decision is reached, Kenyans will continue to have the Housing Levy deducted from their salaries.
The petition’s outcome will significantly impact the enforcement of the Housing Levy and the Affordable Housing program. With potential legal battles ahead, the matter is expected to garner widespread attention as it progresses through the judiciary system. Critics and supporters of the levy will closely monitor the court proceedings and eventual ruling, which may shape the future of housing finance policies in Kenya.
It remains to be seen how the courts will address Omtatah’s challenge and the broader implications it may have on the government’s efforts to fund affordable housing initiatives. As the legal battle unfolds, stakeholders across various sectors will await the resolution with keen interest, given the potential ramifications for the country’s housing sector and the welfare of its citizens.
Read the original article on Kenyans.co.ke
