KNUT Sets Conditions for Backing Ruto’s Housing Fund
In a press conference held on Thursday, June 1, Collins Oyuu, the Secretary General of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), revealed his thoughts on how President Ruto should have approached the formulation and public awareness of the Housing Fund project in order to garner more support.
Oyuu emphasized the importance of proper public participation, suggesting that with this approach, the President would have been able to rally more people behind the idea of contributing 3 percent of their salary to the fund.
Oyuu expressed concerns about the government’s handling of the project, noting that information had been released without a concrete plan.
“What we demanded was the idea of sitting us down and letting us know exactly what is the levy. It was all about public participation,” Oyuu stated.
President Ruto had been discussing the fund in numerous public appearances, and Cabinet Secretaries and principal secretaries had also been actively promoting the controversial initiative.
Charles Hinga, the Principal Secretary for Housing, was particularly vocal in his support for the fund.
As the project was still in the proposal stage, various sectors provided their input, leading to shifts in the government’s stance.
The fund underwent changes from being described as a tax to a levy, and from mandatory to voluntary contributions.
Other adjustments included the option of refunds for those who did not wish to acquire a house after seven years, as well as a change in the maximum contribution from a fixed 3 percent to a cap of Ksh2,500.
Oyuu, representing KNUT, joined the debate and called for further clarification on these matters.
Oyuu stressed the need for proper explanation and public participation, especially concerning the issue of the housing levy.
He advocated for open dialogue, where stakeholders could be informed about the levy and its implications, enabling them to convey the information accurately to their members.
Oyuu criticized the President’s suggestion of salary deductions from individuals such as boda boda riders and mama mbogas who do not have payslips, deeming it unrealistic and lacking necessary information.
The KNUT Secretary General highlighted instances in which public participation had changed the minds of members on various projects.
However, on May 12, the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) rejected the fund, stating that its members already owned houses.
The KUPPET Embu branch argued that their members were engaged in animal husbandry and were not interested in investing in the high-rise apartments proposed by Ruto.
They expressed concerns about the affordability and long-term payment obligations associated with the houses.
While the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU), led by Francis Atwoli, supported the Housing Fund, the Media Owners Association rejected it.
The association’s chairperson, Agnes Kalekye, expressed concerns about the proposed contribution, stating that it would significantly reduce employees’ take-home salaries, considering the existing tax rates and contributions to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
President Ruto remained determined, believing that the project would provide housing for low- and middle-income Kenyans.
He emphasized its potential to create employment opportunities for the millions of young people graduating from educational institutions.
Despite the differing opinions and reservations expressed by various groups, Ruto remained committed to the initiative.
KNUT Sets Conditions for Backing Ruto’s Housing Fund
