Affordable Housing Bill Passed Amid Walkout and Controversy
• The National Assembly passed the Affordable Housing Bill 2023 which seeks to align with the court's ruling, allowing the government to deduct 1.5% from people's gross monthly income for affordable housing.
• About 20 Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition MPs walked out in protest as their attempts to amend the Bill were blocked. They plan to challenge it in court.
• The Bill establishes an Affordable Housing Fund where the deductions will be paid. It expands the levy beyond just formal sector employees' salaries.
• Azimio MPs accuse the government of bullying MPs to adopt the Bill and say President Ruto is acting like a dictator.
• The government has ring-fenced Sh73 billion towards Ruto's plan to build 200,000 affordable housing units annually.