Win for Gov't as High Court okays controversial housing levy
Kenya's High Court ruled on Tuesday that a
controversial housing levy introduced last year as part of measures to try to
shore up public finances was lawful.
The verdict means the government of President
William Ruto can continue with the scheme, after a previous court ruling had
declared it illegal in November 2023.
The 1.5 per cent levy on the salaries of all
taxpaying Kenyans, to be matched by employers, was signed into law in June last
year to fund an affordable housing programme, but faced multiple legal
challenges.
"It is our finding that the levy is
properly in place and in accordance with the Constitution," said Lady
Justice Josephine Mongare, delivering the verdict of the three-member panel on
Tuesday.
The levy was imposed as part of legislation
that raised taxes on a wide range of items, adding to the hardship of Kenyans
already hit by high inflation.
The Finance Act 2023 aimed to raise more than
$2.1 billion to help service Kenya's huge $78 billion public debt.
But anger over the tax hikes and rising
prices, particularly for basics such as food and fuel, led to a series of
sometimes deadly protests against Ruto's government last year.
Similar demonstrations led largely by Gen-Z
Kenyans also erupted earlier this year over the Finance Act 2024, which
contained another round of unpopular tax increases.
Ruto has defended the housing fund, saying it
will construct homes for the poor, create employment and reduce public
borrowing.
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