President Ruto Postpones Signing Affordable Housing Bill Into Law
The State House announced on Monday that the signing of the Affordable Housing Bill into law has been delayed.
Leaders of the Kenya Kwanza movement, including the Head of State, had assured that following approval from both the National Assembly and the Senate, the final endorsement was set for March 18. This was to facilitate the initiation of the legacy project, which aimed to provide 200,000 housing units annually.
During the weekend, Press Secretary Emmanuel Talam issued invitations to various media outlets, including Gossipa2z.com, urging journalists to attend the event scheduled to commence at 8:00 am.
However, the State House issued a statement on Monday morning announcing that the event had been delayed, yet they did not disclose the updated date.
However, reports indicated that the occasion was rescheduled for Tuesday, March 19th.
The leader previously promised a gathering in Bomet that he planned to endorse the bill, thereby enabling the commencement of the housing project. This initiative would require both salaried and non-salaried individuals to contribute 1.5 percent of their total income.
“On Monday, I will be signing into law the Affordable Housing Bill,” President Ruto announced during his tour on Saturday.
ALSO READ:
- Whistleblower Reveals Ksh4 Billion Windfall for 7 Law Firms Advising IEBC
- Why Ruto & Gachagua Receive Ksh650K Housing Allowance Despite Living in State Residences
- Kenyan Citizens Plan Mass Boycott of President Ruto’s X Space, Opt for Parallel Session
- Gov’t Suspends Recruitment in Public Service
- Nairobi County Lost Ksh 70 Million Daily Due to Protests, Governor Sakaja
According to Kimani Ichung’wah, the Majority Leader in the National Assembly who proposed the bill, the State hastened the approval of the bill to affect payslips for March.
“We took the Housing Levy to Parliament and they passed it. I want to thank MPs,” stated Ichung’wah.
“As soon as the bill is signed into law, deductions will resume and be made by the new Affordable Housing Act.”
Ruto encountered obstacles in solidifying the completion of the project when it was deemed unconstitutional by the Judiciary.
In a ruling, a judge clarified that the deductions implemented in July of the previous year were deemed unlawful because the state hadn’t considered public feedback before implementing them.
Some modifications to the bill were enacted, such as the addition of a 3 percent penalty for any outstanding amount, levied monthly until paid. Additionally, the Senate aimed to discourage individuals from owning multiple units.
President Ruto Postpones Signing Affordable Housing Bill Into Law