The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party has announced the reduction of the Housing Fund contribution from the initially proposed three per cent to 1.5 per cent.
The party made the announcement via its official Twitter and Facebook page in a post authored on Monday, June 12 afternoon,
"The Housing Fund Contribution has been reduced to 1.5 pc from the proposed 3 per cent," the post reads.
Similar sentiments have also been shared by Nominated Senator Millicent Omanga, who is affiliated with the party and an ardent supporter of President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza.
"Down to 1.5 per cent,"
Efforts by The Standard to reach UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala, and State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed for an official communication were futile.
By the time of publishing this article, there was no formal communication about the reduction from any government officials.
The sentiments have irked a number of Kenyans online, who are still opposing the contribution. Some say the contribution should not be mandatory.
"We absolutely do not want it. Let it be scraped to zero," a Facebook user responded to Omanga's post.
"It should be 1.5 per cent and optional," Ronoh K Vincent responded to UDA party's post.
The proposed Housing Fund contribution is one of the many proposals in the Finance Bill, 2023. The Bill has proposed additional taxes and levies to Kenyans who feel the cost of living should be the first priority.
The Bill has been criticized by different groups ranging from politicians, civil groups, members of the clergy, experts as well as Kenyans.
On his side, the President has reiterated his promise of reducing the national debt by increasing the tax base to fund development projects.
