Ruto Addresses Complaints Over Affordable Housing Deductions

President William Ruto has told Kenyans lamenting the 1.5 percent Housing Levy deduction that the funds are being used to improve the lives of other unlucky and less fortunate citizens.

Speaking on Thursday, October 8, Ruto stated that those with formal jobs should count themselves lucky because they secured employment, but that does not make the other Kenyans less worthy.

He explained that the 1.5 Housing Levy deductions that are channelled to the Affordable Housing programme help restore the dignity of the unemployed and financially stable Kenyans.

The President added that apart from creating jobs, the programme has also helped uplift Kenyans who lived in informal settlements, where life is undignified.

"That is why we said that those who have jobs should contribute 1.5 percent of their pay so that other Kenyans can get jobs. Today, we have 1.1 million Kenyans who are working in the Affordable Housing projects because you and I contributed 1.5 percent of our pay.

"Think about the dignity of the 1.1 million Kenyans today who today can feed their families because you raised 1.5 percent of your salary to enable somebody else to work, get somebody else out of squalor, and get another Kenyan out of living in a slum where there is no water, electricity, or toilet. That is the dignity you are giving to a fellow Kenyan," he stated.

The Head of State made the sentiments as he presided over the first-ever Recognition of Prior Learning graduation ceremony.

Some 3,772 graduates trained by the National Industrial Training Authority received certification for skills and competencies acquired through experience.

These include building and construction, electrical work, textile and automotive technology, leatherwork, hospitality, ICT and cosmetology, among others. 

Ruto announced the launch of the Fundi Locator App, which helps skilled workers connect with customers and access more opportunities