Five civil society groups filed a High Court petition challenging Kenya's mandatory housing levy. The organizations argue the 1.5 percent salary deduction violates constitutional provisions and unfairly targets workers. Kenya Human Rights Commission leads the coalition seeking to suspend what they consider an illegal and discriminatory tax. The petition describes the measure as socially retrogressive.
Economic data supports their position as construction sector performance declined 0.7 percent in 2024. Cement consumption dropped 7.2 percent while steel imports fell 12 percent, contradicting government job creation claims. Employment in construction shrank 4.2 percent during this period. The petition raises concerns about political misuse of housing funds for electoral purposes.
The groups demand immediate suspension of levy collection and full refunds with interest. They seek comprehensive accounting of collected funds and require human rights assessments before any similar future measures. Treasury officials and the Attorney General face this legal challenge. The court will determine the constitutional validity of these housing policies.
Economic data supports their position as construction sector performance declined 0.7 percent in 2024. Cement consumption dropped 7.2 percent while steel imports fell 12 percent, contradicting government job creation claims. Employment in construction shrank 4.2 percent during this period. The petition raises concerns about political misuse of housing funds for electoral purposes.
The groups demand immediate suspension of levy collection and full refunds with interest. They seek comprehensive accounting of collected funds and require human rights assessments before any similar future measures. Treasury officials and the Attorney General face this legal challenge. The court will determine the constitutional validity of these housing policies.
