Senator Sifuna wants Kenyans to vote on housing levy

By Peter Ochieng

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has a wish.

He wished Kenyans could vote on the housing levy, contained in the Finance Bill, 2023.

The 3% housing levy proposed by President William Ruto's administration continues to get opposition from various quarters, more so politicians in the opposition camp.

Majority of Kenyans are also seemingly opposed to the levy.

And that is why Sifuna wants Kenyans to vote on the proposal, at the expense of Members of Parliament (MPs).

"You are not listening to the hustler, to the professionals, civil society, us as the representatives of the people, you are closed up in this State House where you just sing hosanna from morning to evening and you impose these things without wanting to listen to anyone you just dismiss all of us," said the legislature, who doubles up as ODM Party Secretary General.

"I would have wished a situation where Kenyans themselves be given a chance to vote on this housing levy because as you have seen the current regime is deaf to all of us," added the first term Senator, during an interview on Citizen TV.

However, Sifuna's wish is not attainable under the current constitution.

Senators, MPs and Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) have three roles under the constitution: representation, oversight and legislation.

In terms of legislation, they vote for or against bills and motions in Parliament on behalf of Kenyans.

He said he is happy with how Kenyans are expressing their views against the housing levy.

"I am happy with Kenyans, I am happy with the civic responsibility is beginning to be taken seriously by Kenyans. Let Kenyans express themselves. I want to encourage every Kenyan that on this particular one because it is going to affect you, please speak to your MP."

President Ruto insists the levy is a must for all public servants, aimed at ensuring Kenyans get better housing at affordable rates.