Nandi governor asks MPs to support controversial Finance Bill 2023

Nandi governor Stephen Sang has urged President William Ruto not to be shaken by current political temperatures on the proposed Finance Bill 2023.

Speaking during Madaraka Day Celebrations at Nandi hills stadium in Nandi on Thursday, June 1, 2023, Sang said it was high time for President Ruto to make tough decisions so as to salvage the country's dwindling economy.

"On the issue of the Finance Bill, we need to be honest ourselves, the President must not listen to those against it because it offers a solution to our international debts. Yes, it has some negative impacts for a while but offers a lasting solution to our economy. I call upon MPs to support the proposed housing levy in the Finance Bill, 2023 which has attracted opposition," Sang said.

The county head also hit out at unions and a section of politicians opposing the housing levy proposal terming their move as politics of deceit to the public.

He noted that it was regrettable that a constitutional right and an agreement between the government and workers is being politicized.

"It must be noted that the three per cent housing levy is not a tax and that this is a great initiative towards building low-cost homes for Kenyans workers. Article 43 (b) of the Constitution instructs that every Kenyan has the right to accessible and adequate housing and reasonable sanitation standards. The government has made it clear that they have already invested Ksh5 billion into the housing fund and those who contribute to the housing fund and later wish to withdraw their contributions will have access to their savings with interest,” Sang added.

Last month, President Ruto said civil servants will start contributing three per cent of their income to a Housing Fund. He said this was part of a plan the State will soon introduce.

Ruto said the contribution will help civil servants purchase houses built under the Affordable Housing project.

Nandi commissioner's remarks

On her part, Nandi county commissioner Caroline Nzwili vowed to implement government directives on the illegal brew.

Speaking at the same event, Nzwili said it was against the law for a section of residents to continue engaging in illegal business.

"As you heard Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's stand recently in Nakuru county on illegal brews, that is the position of the government and we are going to implement the orders to its end. If you know you are a changaa brewer then you are days are numbered. You better change the business,"Nzwili stated.