Housing Fund Will be Largest Scandal in Africa - Senator Ledama

Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina has denounced President William Ruto's comments about Singapore's success.

On Friday, Ruto claimed that Singapore achieved their current level of development due to the difficult decisions it made. He then compared Singapore and Kibera, observing that while both were slums before, Singapore pursued housing projects whereas Kenya has not yet done so. He suggested that the difference between these two countries is their respective willingness to make tough choices.

On Saturday, Senator Ledama declared that Singapore's success is not equivalent to Kenya's. He also remarked that the controversial housing fund levy was likely to induce a scandal. In his remarks during Madaraka Day celebrations in Embu, President Ruto defended the proposal in the Finance Bill 2023, which suggests a 3% deduction from both employees and employers. Ruto proclaimed that the fund would yield benefits such as new job opportunities and improved living conditions.

"Many countries are struggling in vain to generate a national debate on public financing, taxation and policy issues. In Kenya, we have easily sustained intense discourse on the Finance Bill and affordable housing for weeks now. The debate has remained issue-oriented and there is no hint of divisive ethnic rhetoric at all," Ruto said. 

Ledama's remark comes after the Kenya National Union of Teachers requested intense public involvement in the discussion surrounding the housing levy proposal. At a press conference on Friday, Knut Secretary General Collins Oyuu revealed that he and his National Executive Council had requested to receive full information about the levy. He believed it was illogical to reject the levy without understanding what it involves. Oyuu stated that they will only oppose the levy once they understand how it impacts them.