Kenyans Demonstrate Demanding Implementation of Housing Levy
On Thursday, a group of Jua Kali craftsmen and slum residents demonstrated in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) to call for the Housing Levy to be implemented.
The craftsmen and other stakeholders who stand to gain from President William Ruto’s action plan contended during their protest that their livelihoods would be severely impacted if the project failed.
Meanwhile, a section of Nairobi residents drawn from informal settlements argued that if the project is successful and the government delivers the affordable houses on time, their standard of living will become better, which they pointed out as one of the main reasons for staging the protest.
The group was allegedly heading to present a petition in Parliament for the implementation of the levy.
In videos that were circulated online, the throng was seen holding banners and placards pleading with the government to guarantee that the fee be applied in a way that benefits every Kenyan. One of the signs said, “Housing Levy is the cure for better housing. Do not take away our livelihood.” Another person said, “Tujenge nyumba tuimarishe uchumi wetu (Let’s build houses and grow our economy).”
Various other players driving vehicles actively engaged in the protests, rallying participants to join the cause. Roadshow trucks, equipped with blaring music, not only entertained protesters but also captivated passersby.
Atop one such truck, an enthusiastic MC led the crowd in a synchronized chant of ‘nyumba, nyumba, nyumba,’ in line with what the protestors were advocating for. This loosely translates to ‘house, house, house.’
Amid the chants, a unique sight unfolded as Kenyans carried one another in wheelbarrows, a tool that serves as a symbol of President William Ruto’s ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party.
Meanwhile, a section of Kenyans poked holes at the demonstrations arguing that they may be funded by the government to push the housing levy agenda.
A three-judge bench deemed the Housing Levy to be discriminatory and unlawful in November. President Ruto, however, vowed to carry out the court’s directives.
This time, I’m telling you, I’m doing it, and I’m really committed because we have to finish this. Early in December, he declared, “We are going to implement it whatever it takes.” A group of Nakuru County laborers also objected to the court decision, claiming that stopping the projects will increase unemployment and criminal activity.
Kenyans Demonstrate Demanding Implementation of Housing Levy
