Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga has bashed the government over the proposed mandatory 3 per cent Housing Levy.
While addressing the media on Tuesday, Raila said no Kenyan should be forced to invest, but rather have a choice on what they want to contribute to.
"If I want to invest I must have a choice, I should not be forced to invest. You must ask me if I want to invest or not, there must be a choice and consultations," he said.
The Opposition chief added that some Kenyans already have houses and should not be subjected to the levy.
"First ask them to know if they are willing to get taxed and why should you tax someone who has a house?" Raila asked.
Belgut MP Nelson Koech had said one can withdraw from paying the levy after seven years.
The legislator explained that the Housing Fund deduction is not a tax but rather, a savings scheme.
"What the President is saying is that if you don't feel like you want to contribute further after seven years, you have an exit strategy. You can always claim your money because it's yours. This deduction is not in any way a tax," Koech said.
Koech said the housing project is going to instantly create employment and for every house constructed five people will be employed.
President William Ruto had moved to introduce an additional housing levy deduction in the proposed Finance Bill 2023.
Ruto said salaried employees will be deducted 3 per cent of their salary which will be matched by employers but not exceed Sh5,000 of their salaries to the Housing Fund to support the affordable housing project.
