Muslim leaders ask civil servants to embrace the government’s housing fund proposal
The housing fund proposal contained in the Finance Bill 2023 seeks to have employed and business people contribute 3% of their salary
A section Of The Affordable Housing Units In Nairobi.Photo State House Kenya
By Kelvin Kiprop and Claudia Jepkoech
The Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) has welcomed the housing fund proposal by President William Ruto.
CIPK North Rift chairperson Abubakar Bini has said that the proposal meant to help build affordable housing for Kenyans will help the less fortunate once fully implemented.
This proposal that needs the employed and the business people to contribute to the housing fund will help those living in the slums, and also provide employment for the youth and women in the society,” said Bini.
The Muslim leader has also urged the civil servants to contribute to the housing fund proposal since they are fortunate to have houses and their contribution will help others.
He described the proposed 3 per cent deduction as a drop in the ocean for the salaried Kenyans.
“Civil servants’ contribution of 3% is just a small amount and it should not be an issue for them not to contribute to the housing fund,” said Bini.
Further, the CIPK chair noted that the move to have a housing fund will help in increasing the number of houses in the country and in return reduce the number of slums and as well as increase the number of property owners.
The housing fund proposal contained in the Finance Bill 2023 seeks to have employed and business people contribute 3% of their salary.
Funds collected from the fund will enable the government to build more affordable houses, and help Kenyans living in rentals own their own.
Housing affordability is a key challenge in Kenya with many people unable to afford to buy or build their home.
The national government in collaboration with county governments and the private sector plans to build 200,000 housing units annually.
For those who will not get a house, the contribution will be transferred to their pension scheme.
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