NAIROBI, Kenya – Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has vowed to scrap the housing levy if President William Ruto leaves power in 2027, renewing criticism of statutory deductions imposed on Kenyan workers.
In a post on X, Sifuna criticised the government over what he described as the financial burden of housing contributions, Social Health Authority (SHA) deductions and Pay As You Earn (PAYE) taxes on workers.
Sifuna cited monthly deductions of Sh24,000 for housing, Sh43,000 for SHA and Sh500,000 in PAYE, arguing that Kenyans should also question the broader deductions rather than focus on housing-related payments alone.
“Is he done ranting about the 24K I pay for his housing scam because kuna hii 43k I pay every month for his SHA scam we also need to discuss,” Sifuna wrote.
He went on to criticise what he described as the use of taxpayers’ money by political leaders, arguing that workers who finance government operations should not be subjected to further financial pressure while their concerns are dismissed.
Sifuna Promises Tax Relief In 2027
The senator said a change in government after the 2027 General Election would bring a review of public spending and measures intended to ease the tax burden on Kenyan workers.
“In 2027 we are cutting the fat out of our budget to bring relief to all Kenyan workers. The housing levy will go with Ruto,” he stated.
His remarks suggest that scrapping the housing levy would be among the measures he wants pursued under a different administration.
The housing levy, introduced to finance the government’s affordable housing programme, has faced criticism from workers and political leaders over its impact on disposable income.
SHA Deductions Also Draw Criticism
Sifuna also questioned the monthly amount he cited in connection with the Social Health Authority, describing the deductions as another issue requiring public scrutiny.
His post linked the debate over housing contributions to wider concerns about taxation, government expenditure and the amount of money workers retain after statutory deductions.
