MP Salasya vows not to pay housing levy

A Member of Parliament (MP) has vowed not to pay the 3% housing levy, in case legislatures pass the Finance Bill, 2023.

The proposed levy has attracted support from MPs aligned to the government, but those in the opposition have vowed to shoot it down.

Mumias East MP Peter Kalerwa Salasya says he will not pay for the housing levy, in case his collegues pass the bill in the National Assembly.

He says his payslip is already 'stressed' to a point of not being able to afford the new levy.

"Mimi sitalipa hiyo 3% ata UDA wakitushinda (I will not pay for that 3% even if UDA beat us) in numbers. My payslip is zero," said the first term MP.

He was elected on the Democratic Action Party (DAP-Kenya) ticket, which is part of the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya formation.

"Housing levy is a scam kama ile (like) hustler fund and GMO. Our President should stop stressing Kenyans who's payslips are already stressed."

The MPs' stand is in tandem with the Azimio brigade, who say Kenyans are experiencing a rough time economically to afford the new levy.

President Ruto has insisted that the levy is a must for all salaried public servants.

He says the money collected monthly will help his administration to build affordable houses for Kenyans, at the same time creating employment for thousands of non-employed youths.

The Finance Bill, 2023 should go through Parliament by end of June, to facilitate it's implementation in the 2023/2024 financial year, starting July.