Teachers’ Union Calls for Peaceful Protest Against Proposed Housing Levy
The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Mombasa branch has announced plans for a peaceful demonstration in opposition to the government’s proposed housing levy.
The union aims to gather support and convey their discontent regarding the housing levy as outlined in the finance bill of 2023.
The KUPPET Mombasa branch, led by executive secretary Lynette Kamadi, says their intention is to hold a peaceful demonstration against the proposed housing levy.
The procession is scheduled to take place on Tuesday from Pembe za ndovu to Treasury Square, lasting from 9 am to 10 am.
Asserting Constitutional Rights
Kamadi emphasized that the demonstration would adhere to the Constitutional provisions that guarantee the right to assemble and demonstrate.
She assured authorities that the participants would remain peaceful and unarmed throughout the procession.
Kamadi also requested necessary support in effectively delivering their message to the concerned leadership.
President William Ruto introduced the idea of a Housing Fund, which would require all salaried Kenyans to contribute three percent of their gross pay each month.
Ruto clarified that the contribution would not be considered a form of tax and explained that employers would make an equal contribution under the affordable housing project.
Opposition to the Housing Levy
Civil servants and leaders from Azimio la Umoja have strongly opposed the President’s proposal, arguing that it is an unfair model for the fund.
Raila Odinga and other leaders expressed concerns that the mandatory contributions would affect individuals who already own houses and do not require additional housing support.
Kuppet Deputy Secretary General Moses Nthurima voiced the union’s dissatisfaction, emphasizing that teachers were expecting salary increments rather than more deductions.
They believe the levy should be voluntary, citing existing provisions that allow teachers to access up to 40 percent of their pension contributions for building houses.
The planned peaceful demonstration organized by the KUPPET Mombasa branch seeks to express their opposition to the proposed housing levy.
Teachers and civil servants are concerned about mandatory contributions, particularly since some individuals already own houses.
The union urges the government to reconsider the levy and make it voluntary instead.
Teachers’ Union Calls for Peaceful Protest Against Proposed Housing Levy
