Machakos Governor Dr Alfred Mutua has expressed opposition to the 1.5 per cent house levy that the government intends to deduct from salaried Kenyans beginning May.
Addressing the press in Mombasa on Thursday, the Maendeleo Chap Chap party leader said the levy is punitive to Kenyans
According to the governor, as far as the housing levy is concerned, there has been poor communication to common mwananchi and leaders too, creating resistance and conspiracy.
"The country is facing dire conditions of rising fuel prices, low circulation of money and drought. This makes the levy appear punitive," said Mutua.
He also pointed out that the initiative which is among the Jubilee's Big Four Agenda of affordable housing seems to put more focus on urban areas and wondered how such a program will benefit those living in rural areas.
"We need to be careful that we do not perpetuate trickle-down economics that takes years to impact the dire lives of our people who are suffering in abject poverty," Mutua said.
He urged the government to stop implementation of the housing levy until mwananchi understands its benefits.
The court has already temporarily stopped implementation of the housing levy that will see all salaried Kenyans taxed 1.5 per cent to fund the affordable housing plan.