- In his address, the spokesperson also said that the government is distributing foodstuff to vulnerable Muslim families ahead of the Ramadhan period.
- Mwaura noted that the Kenya Kwanza government has already distributed foodstuff amounting to Sh123 million.
Image: FILE
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has told Kenyans to refrain from complaining as the government is working to provide affordable housing.
Speaking on Thursday at Konza Technopolis, Mwaura said that it is important for the citizens to learn how to finance government services.
"If you are getting a house that costs millions, then Sh200 should not be a big issue," he said.
Mwaura expressed concern over Kenyans' complaints after Boma Yangu announced that they would have to pay Sh200 activation fee to access the affordable housing project.
The least amount a Kenyan can make to add a house to their wishlist is Sh200, according to Boma Yangu, the gateway platform for the Affordable Housing Program.
Mwaura made these remarks during a press briefing at Konza Technopolis where he was doing a site visit.
The spokesperson lauded the government for its role in developing the tech hub.
Konza Technopolis, according to Mwaura will act as a convergence point for quality services from AI and robotics to e-health and education.
Konza Technopolis houses the Open University of Kenya which is the first virtual university in Kenya.
On January 26, the Court of Appeal dismissed the government’s applications that sought to suspend a November 28, 2023, High Court ruling that the Housing levy was unconstitutional.
“In our view, the public interest lies in awaiting the determination of the appeal. This is because if the stay sought is granted at this stage, should the appellate Court affirm the impugned decision, then some far-reaching decisions that will have been undertaken pursuant to the impugned laws may not be reversible,” the judges explained.
The court, therefore, declined to allow the government to continue collecting the 1.5 per cent levy meant to fund the affordable housing project.
Kenyans and some leaders have since opposed the move to deduct the levy saying they are already burdened with other taxes.
Despite that, President William Ruto has continued to defend the housing levy saying it will benefit many Kenyans.
Last Sunday during Salvation Army’s 100th anniversary celebrations in Nairobi, Ruto said the project will also provide decent houses for Kenyans.
He added that Kenyans who are able and employed have a responsibility to contribute to the Affordable Housing Project.
“Many people are asking why I disturb them with the Housing issue, asking who told you we need houses. I do not want to be asked by God why I did not provide housing and yet I was in a position to do so,” he said.
The President said the government’s aim to collect the Housing levy is to create employment for the majority of Kenyans.