Francis Atwoli Defends Housing Levy

Francis Atwoli, the secretary general of the Central Organization of Trade Unions, has criticized unions that are against the idea of a housing charge.

Atwoli said in a statement on Monday that he had invited the President, all union leaders, and discussions on a range of topics, including the three percent housing fund charge.

He has called it regretful that a constitutional right and an agreement between the government and workers are being politicized, claiming that those who skipped the Labor Day festivities are the ones who are complaining about the meeting’s resolution. The trade unionists who skipped the President’s meeting and Labor Day festivities are being urged by Cotu (K) to engage in social discussion and quit politicizing important issues, Atwoli added.

It must be underlined that the 3% housing charge is not a tax and that this is a fantastic initiative to provide Kenyan workers with affordable housing. The Cotu boss claimed that according to article 43(b) of the Constitution, every Kenyan has the right to basic standards of sanitary conditions as well as accessible and adequate housing.

“The government has made it clear that they have already invested Sh5 billion in the housing fund and that those who make contributions and later decide to withdraw them will have access to their savings,”

President William Ruto said last month that government employees will begin putting 3% of their pay into a housing fund. He stated that this was a component of a plan the State would soon unveil. According to Ruto, the donation will assist government employees in buying homes constructed as part of the Affordable Housing project.