Ole Kina: Expect the Housing Levy to drop to at least 1%

He said life for Kenyans will soon improve for the better

by JAMES MBAKA

Realtime13 March 2025 - 09:32

In Summary

The Housing Levy stands at 1.5 per cent, deducted from an employee’s gross salary.
Although Ole Kina is not a government official, his remarks may be interpreted within the broader context of the broader-based government.

Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina has suggested that the Housing Levy could be reduced to 1 per cent of an employee's gross salary.

Currently, the Housing Levy stands at 1.5 per cent, deducted from an employee’s gross salary, with a matching 1.5 per cent contribution from the employer, bringing the total to 3 per cent.

Although Ole Kina is not a government official, his remarks may be interpreted within the wider context of the broader-based government.

As the Senate Minority Whip, he holds significant influence within ODM leader Raila Odinga’s inner circle.

“Expect the Housing Levy to drop to at least 1%,” Ledama posted on his official X page on Thursday.

This statement could signal a potential review of the levy in the Finance Bill, 2025, which will outline the government’s revenue-raising measures for the next fiscal year.

"We will save Kenya! Things will get better sooner than you think …thanks Raila Odinga and William Ruto,'' Ole Kina stated.

Just two days earlier, Raila Odinga—who has faced backlash since signing a cooperation agreement with President William Ruto—stated that the broad-based government would re-evaluate the Housing Levy.

He clarified that his agreement with President Ruto was not a political merger but an effort to address at least 10 key issues affecting Kenyans.

Speaking at a funeral service in Kiambu County on March 11, Raila criticized the current administration for imposing excessive taxes, including the Housing Levy, which he described as a burden on salaried Kenyans.

“I have told Ruto that the Social Health Authority (SHA) has issues that need to be fixed. Taxes imposed on Kenyans are too high, especially the housing tax,” Raila stated.

He also weighed in on the issues facing the Social Health Authority (SHA).

“You cannot fix these problems from the outside. You have to be inside, tell them what to do, and place the right people in key positions to address the issues,” he added.

Raila emphasized that he would not rest until all challenges affecting Kenyans were resolved, stating that signing the agreement with Ruto was part of a broader strategy to address national concerns.

Meanwhile, opposition leaders have urged salaried workers—estimated to be over 3 million—to prepare to vote out President Ruto in 2027.