As the housing levy implementation continues to elicit sharp reactions and criticisms from both the public and political leaders, Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has voiced his view over the matter.
In a Facebook post, the MP said he has been supporting the President's Big Four Agenda and will continue doing so since his constituents are wallowing in abject informal settlements.
He, however, expressed opposition to the government's plan to tax citizens so as to facilitate the implementation of the housing agenda.
"I disagree that it is the Government’s responsibility to build such homes. I firmly believe that the Government should focus on providing a conducive environment for the private sector to build the 450,000 affordable homes required. Public taxes cannot build so many homes," reads part of Owino post.
"From the onset, let me make it clear that I wholeheartedly support the President’s Big Four Agenda. As a Member of Parliament of an urban constituency, a large number of my constituents live in informal settlements. I support a housing programme that will restore dignity to the people at a rate that they can afford," he added.
The government on Tuesday directed employers to start remitting 1.5 per cent of employees salary for the housing levy, a move that the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) and several other workers unions has opposed terming it illegal.
According to the notice published on local dailies, the deductions are to be affected beginning next month (May).
Funds collected from the housing levy are expected to be used to finance the Jubilee government's affordable housing project.