A teachers’ union has called for a peaceful demonstration on Tuesday to protest over the government’s proposed housing levy.
The Kenya Union of Post Primary education teachers (KUPPET) Mombasa branch says it will commence the one-hour procession from Pembe za ndovu to Treasury Square, 9 am to 10 am.
“The teachers of Mombasa intend to hold a peaceful demonstration on the date mentioned against the housing levy as proposed in the finance bill, 2023,” reads the notice dated May 19, signed by the branch executive secretary Lynette Kamadi.
It has been addressed to the regional commander and copied county commissioner, county police commander, education, and the teachers’ employer-TSC-among others.
Kamadi has assured that they are going to adhere to the Constitutional provisions which she says guarantees them the right to assemble, demonstrate noting the participants will be peaceful and unarmed.
“Kindly accord us the necessary support in delivering our message to the concerned leadership,” she stated.
President William Ruto proposed the formation of the Housing Fund saying all salaried Kenyans will have to make a compulsory monthly contribution equivalent to three per cent of their gross pay.
"If you earn Sh10,000, then three per cent is Sh300 every month," Ruto said on April 23.
The President said the employer will make an equal contribution towards the fund under the affordable housing project which he later clarified is not a form of tax.
It has since received strong opposition from civil servants and Azimio la Umoja leaders who have faulted the President on the model of the fund.
Led by Raila Odinga, the leaders said some Kenyans already own houses and do not need to be forced to make contributions towards the Housing Fund.
Adding his voice, Kuppet Deputy Secretary General Moses Nthurima recently said they were expecting salary increments not more deductions.
They want the levy to be voluntary.
"Under the new PSSS Act, teachers can access up to 40 per cent of their pension contributions to build houses. They do not need a new tax for housing development," he said.