A section of Nairobi residents have taken to the streets of Nairobi to hold peaceful protests in support of the controversial housing levy.
The group comprising of slum dwellers, community based organizations, sand harvesters, architects, masons among others marched in Moi Avenue, Tom Mboya and Kenyatta streets on Thursday as they chanted ‘Haki Yetu’, saying that they are beneficiaries of affordable housing project.
They also carried slogans and placards vowing their support on the housing levy.
Nairobi slum dwellers, community-based organisations, residents hold peaceful protest in Nairobi CBD in support of Housing Levy
Video by: James Wanzala pic.twitter.com/6CrXblxD3E
— The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) December 28, 2023
Last month, the high court declared the housing levy unconstitutional, saying it violated article 10, 2(a) of the constitution.
“We find that the introduction of the housing levy amendment to section 84 lacks a comprehensive legal framework in violation of Article 10 of the constitution, that levy against persons in formal employment without justification is discriminatory and irrational,” the judges who heard petitions challenging the levy ruled.
Kenyans are however still paying the levy until January 2024 pending an appeal that was filed by the government, to challenge the decision.
President William Ruto also said that his administration will implement the levy at all costs.
“This beautiful project was in the manifesto of Kenya Kwanza. The same housing project complete with percentages of the levy was also in the Azimio manifesto but when it came to implementation that is where the devil lives. Nobody wants it implemented. We all want to talk about it, when hardly people mean it. I am telling you, this time round I am implementing it and I am so determined because we must do it,” Ruto said on December 13.
