We want our money back! Read some of the tweets by Kenyans who took to social media after a three-judge bench declared the housing levy unconstitutional, null and void.
Trending at number one, the social media users used the word 'Refund' to push President William Ruto-led administration to action.
"Now that the High Court has nullified the housing levy, we need to get a refund ASAP!" Josh posted.
Alfayaz said:
"If they cannot refund me in cash, I am willing to accept building materials as refund nipewe madirisha, milango."
Pipita on the other hand asked if Kenyans will be able to receive the amount they have contributed since the deduction started.
"Will people get refunds on their Housing Levy ama hiyo imeenda mtoni?"
"We want our refund," Hanifa posted.
Another posed:
"KRA didn't need time to begin collecting the fund, why do they need time to refund it?"
"Housing levy has not seen the light of day. I want a refund Bwana."
"So the government imposed the housing levy on kenyan peasants apparently the whole thing has been declared unconstitutional. Will the government refund the money they have been chopping from Kenyans," Mike said.
Kulo said:
"Guys, look at this 'Government lawyers ask Court for an order to prevent Kenyans from asking for Housing Fund refund' If money was unconstitutionally drawn from people's salaries why shouldn't that be refunded?"
However, despite the numerous calls from Kenyans, the high court has issued a stay order to the judgement rendering the Housing Levy unconstitutional.
"An order of stay be is hereby issued staying the effect of this judgment issued today November 28, 2023, pending the filing of a formal application for the stay of conservatory orders in the Court of Appeal," Judge Majanja ruled.
"This order of stay shall remain in force until January 10, 2024."
This means that Kenyans will continue remitting 1.5 per cent of their earnings to the fund with employers required to match an equal amount.
