Editor's Review

"It’s very regrettable that a constitutional right and an agreement between the government and workers is politicized."

Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwloi has censured trade unions expressing opposition to President William Ruto's housing plan. 

The Cotu boss in a statement accused a section of unions of failing to attend a meeting with President Ruto that hammered a deal that saw the 3 percent levy approved.

Atwoli said he invited several trade unions to the meeting with President William Ruto during which various issues including the 3% housing fund levy was discussed.

"Those who skipped the Labour Day Celebrations are now complaining about the resolution of the meeting," he said.

He at the same time clarified that the housing fund levy is not a tax as claimed by a section of unions.

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Cotu Boss Francis Atwoli engaging President William Ruto. PHOTO | FILE

Atwoli termed the fund as a great initiative towards building low-cost homes for Kenyan workers.

"Article 43 (b) of the Kenyan constitution instructs that EVERY Kenyan has the right to accessible and adequate housing, and to reasonable sanitation standards," h said.

"The Government of Kenya has made it clear that, first, they have invested 5 Billion into the housing fund and, second, those who contribute to the housing fund and later wish to withdraw their contributions will have access to their savings with interest."

He added:

"It’s therefore very regrettable that a constitutional right and an agreement between the government and workers is politicized," he added.

"COTU (K) would like to encourage the trade unionists who skipped labour day celebrations and the meeting with the President to embrace social dialogue and stop politicizing serious matters."