University Students Back Ruto Housing Levy, Explain Why

The Kenya Universities' Student Organisation (KUSO) has voiced its support for the Housing Levy championed by President William Ruto, terming it a solution to the dismal living conditions students endure during their pursuit of education.

In a statement sent to Viral Tea, KUSO President Antony Manyara on Saturday, January 6 lamented that many students are forced to settle for deplorable houses situated in slums or in private residences riddled with insecurity that expose students to criminal acts endangering their lives.

Manyara referenced a December 22, 2023 letter that KUSO wrote to the Speaker of the National Assembly to consider expeditiously passing the Affordable Housing Bill 2023 tabled by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah which aims to create a legal framework to oversee the Affordable Housing Levy as the High Court had advised in its ruling that declared the levy unconstitutional.

This is so that the affordable housing program can continue being implemented as envisioned by the government.

KUSO President, Antony Manyara during a press briefing. /PHOTO

"Let's confront a glaring truth we've long chosen to overlook—the dismal living conditions that students endure while pursuing education. A mere 16% find refuge within school-provided accommodations, leaving the majority to grapple with slum dwellings or exorbitant private developments.

"These places, marred by insecurity, breed an unsettling panorama of risks including assault, rape, violence, and theft. KUSO, as the unwavering voice of thousands navigating these hardships, has relentlessly advocated for change," stated Manyara in part.

The student leader remarked that the strides made in 2023 towards inclusive student housing in the national plan offer a glimmer of hope while advertisements promising shelter to nearly 70,000 students signify a welcome shift.

He however opposed a section of politicians using their politics to interfere with the Housing Programme, though expressing confidence that President Ruto was incapable of stifling the surge in progress from the very program he has been pushing for,

"Yet, a disheartening spectacle unfolds as politicians hijack this cause, painting it with the brush of politics. To the President, we assert with resolute certainty: not even the highest office can stifle this surge of progress.

"While not every Kenyan may secure a home, our mission ensures that their offspring will thrive in affordable, secure, and dignified accommodations within our educational institutions," he added while voicing his support for the levy.

Turning to members of Kenya's opposition, Manyara took fault with their forces rallying against the Housing Program and labelling the Housing Levy as an oppressor in an already taking-off economy.

Furthermore, he opposed the Judiciary through court rulings that have hampered the progress of the program, wondering if "these actions are a product of pure judicial prudence or acts of manipulation."

"Opposition to this crucial initiative only serves to obstruct our nation's journey towards economic transformation. We cannot let the shadows of politics eclipse the radiance of progress. To President Ruto: we echo a call to sidestep the distractions and judicial hindrances, forging ahead with unwavering determination. The benefits will eventually dawn upon our citizens, lighting the path to a brighter future.

"Traditionally, students have stood as champions for the oppressed, aligning with the forces advocating for the marginalized. Yet, in this defining moment, our allegiance is not to a political ideology but to the prosperity of our nation. Our support for the Affordable Housing Levy is not a surrender to the government's beck and call; it's a solemn pledge to secure the future of Kenya," he added.

Notably, hundreds of Kenyans on December 28, 2023, staged protests at the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) in support of the Housing Levy which sought to deduct 1.5 per cent from employees' salaries in contribution towards the Affordable Housing Programme.

The protesters, employed at the Jua Kali sector and other stakeholders had complained that nullifying the Housing Levy would ruin their chances of job opportunities in the country as well as a decent standard of living compared to the issue of slums in the city which contain deplorable standards of living.

Nonetheless, Kenyans will continue to pay for the Housing Levy following a ruling by the Court of Appeal on Thursday, after it heard an appeal by the National Assembly and the Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula on the matter which was challenged by up to 56 parties, including Busia Senator, Okiya Omtatah.

The ruling was made by the Appellate three-judge bench consisting of Justice Lydia Achode, John Mativo and Paul Gachoka, with the Court of Appeal set to give its verdict on the matter on January 26, 2024.

An illustration of the Affordable Housing Programme by Boma Yangu Initiative under the National Housing Corporation. /BOMA YANGU KENYA