Artisans, slum dwellers march in support of Housing Levy

A section of Community-based organisations, Jua Kali Contractors Federation of Kenya and slum residents picket in support of the Housing levy along Harambee Avenue Nairobi on December 28, 2023. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

"We are asking the court, National Assembly and Senate to listen to us. As contractors numbering about 700,000 members countrywide in over 50 ongoing construction sites the housing scheme will create jobs enabling us take our children to school, eat and live well,'' said Peter Muema, chairman of Jua Kali Contractors Federation of Kenya.

They asked Busia Senator Okiya Omutata, who has gone to court to oppose the implementation of the Housing Levy to be considerate of the jobless.

A section of Community-based organisations, Jua Kali Contractors Federation of Kenya and slum residents picket in support of the Housing levy along Harambee Avenue Nairobi on December 28, 2023. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

The High Court in Nairobi declared the levy unconstitutional.

Justices Lawrence Mugambi, Christine Meoli and David Majanja ruled that the levy was discriminatory since it imposed taxes on salaried workers excluding those in informal sector.

A section of Community-based organisations, Jua Kali Contractors Federation of Kenya and slum residents picket in support of the Housing levy along Harambee Avenue Nairobi on December 28, 2023. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]