Yesterday, President William Ruto secured a significant victory in his efforts to solidify the contentious Housing Levy, as Kenya Kwanza senators defeated proposed amendments by the minority side. Despite a marathon session of Senate proceedings extending to nearly 7pm, senators aligned with the President overwhelmingly voted against the minority’s amendments, which aimed to provide relief to many Kenyans.

Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi announced that 27 senators supported the Affordable Housing Bill, 2023, with amendments proposed by the government. Conversely, 10 Azimio la Umoja One Kenya senators opposed the Bill, while another 10 were absent during the voting process.

Senator Okong’o Omogeni, representing Nyamira, led the minority’s proposed amendments, seeking to cap deductions at Sh2,500 and levy payments at 1.5 per cent of an employee’s net salary. He also aimed to exempt certain individuals, such as those engaged in agricultural activities, from the levy.

However, each of the minority’s proposed amendments was defeated during voting, prompting subdued protests and heated exchanges between members of the minority and the deputy speaker. Despite their efforts, the minority’s views were not incorporated into the amendments.

Meanwhile, the Roads, Transportation, and Housing committee, chaired by Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa, introduced amendments that clarified eligibility for housing unit allocation and outlined procedures for voluntary savings withdrawal and mortgage applications. Additionally, the committee proposed penalties for defaulting on levy payments and restrictions on housing unit ownership transfer without board consent.

The session witnessed intense debate and exchanges between senators from opposing sides, reflecting the contentious nature of the proposed amendments and the broader implications of the Housing Levy initiative.