Court consolidates 11 cases challenging 1.5% housing levy

The High Court has consolidated 11 cases challenging a plan by the government to deduct a 1.5% levy from employees salaries for the creation of a housing fund.

Issuing the ruling on Monday, Justice Maureen Onyango directed that the cases be heard together on June 10.

Various parties including the Central Organization of Trade Union (COTU), Trade Union Congress of Kenya, Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) and the Federation of Kenyan Employers (FKE) have filed suits challenging the levy.

The government had in April issued a public notice directing employer to deduct and remit the levy by the 9th of every succeeding month.

“The Housing Fund shall be used to finance the Affordable Housing Scheme under the Big 4 Agenda,” the notice reads.

President Uhuru Kenyatta unveiled the Big 4 Agenda two years ago saying his government would put up half a million low-cost houses.