Commenting on the Affordable Housing Bill poised to become law on Tuesday, March 19, Thirdway Alliance Party leader Ekuru Aukot has raised significant concerns about the implementation plans set forth by President William Ruto's government.

Aukot, speaking on Tuesday, March 19, questioned the government's strategy for executing the contentious bill, particularly focusing on the criteria for taxation and the utilization of the collected funds. 

Aukot, appearing on Citizen TV, expressed dismay over the government's failure to elucidate its taxation strategy, stating, "The stickiest question the government has failed to elucidate on is the criteria it plans to use to tax Kenyans and also utilize the collected monies."

He further criticised Ruto's administration for allegedly disappointing Kenyans living below the poverty line, contradicting earlier promises of upliftment.

"The presidency of William Ruto is what Kenyans can now agree was a long con," Aukot asserted, adding, "It was promising Kenyans heaven and earth...but now the law that has been passed in Parliament is punishing that person."

Aukot also took aim at the housing programme associated with the bill, highlighting its lack of clarity regarding the distribution of constructed homes.  

He argued that the homes would likely remain accessible only to the financially capable, despite contributions from the poor. "We don't even know the formula of distribution of those houses," he remarked, emphasizing the oversight in the legislative process.

The Affordable Housing Bill, which faced legal hurdles in the past, recently received approval from both the Senate and the National Assembly. 

Notably, amendments were introduced, including the involvement of county governments.  President Ruto is expected to assent to the bill, thereby reinstating housing levy deductions. 

Under the proposed legislation, all Kenyans, whether salaried or not, would be required to contribute 1.5% of their monthly pay to the Affordable Housing Fund. However, the levy has been a subject of contention, with legal challenges citing discrimination and constitutional violations.

A three-judge bench previously ruled the housing levy collection unconstitutional, prompting revisions to the bill. 

Despite these setbacks, the government aims to implement the levy deductions by the end of March 2024.

Aukot reiterated his concerns, particularly regarding the enforceability of the law and its implications for the majority of Kenyans. He criticised President Ruto's alleged disregard for the rule of law and accused him of manipulating parliamentary processes to push through controversial legislation.

Responding to Aukot's criticisms, Beatrice Elachi, an MP, urged for a focus on providing solutions and guiding Kenyans forward. 

However, Aukot's assertions underscore lingering doubts and criticisms surrounding the Affordable Housing Bill, reflecting a broader scepticism towards the government's policies and implementation strategies.

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah on Monday, March 18, announced that he was moving to court to block the revised iteration of the Housing Levy. By SAMUEL MWANAWANJUGUNA, Kenyans.co.ke 

New York University (NYU) on Monday, March 18, announced the appointment of Ambassador Martin Kimani as the new Executive Director of the Center on International Cooperation (CIC), effective June 3, 2024. 

The appointment was made days after President William Ruto replaced him as Kenya’s permanent representative to the United Nations. 

In a diplomatic shakeup on March 8, President Ruto replaced him with former Turkana County Assembly Speaker Erastus Lokaale. 

Announcing the appointment, NYU remarked that Ambassador Kimani was a distinguished and accomplished diplomat hence the preference to the global role. 

“Martin Kimani brings many years of experience in international diplomacy, crisis prevention, and the links between peace, justice, equality, and inclusion at the highest level,” Sarah Cliffe, outgoing Executive Director of CIC announced why Kimani was appointed. 

In his new role, the diplomat is expected to further CICs global peace, security and development expertise agenda. 

Kimani remarked that he was looking forward to building the legacy that had been founded by Sarah Cliffe. 

“I am deeply honoured to join CIC and its brilliant staff to build ambitious partnerships that deliver real-world impact. I'm especially excited by NYU world-class researchers,” his acceptance statement read in part. 

In his new role as the head of CIC, Kimani will lead the advocacy for international cooperation to prevent crises and promote peace, and justice.

CIC is further involved in the promotion of inclusion as well as being a leading global think tank on multilateralism. 

“Assuming leadership of the CIC at this crucial time is a privilege, as we stand at the crossroads of global challenges that demand robust, ambitious multilateral cooperation,” Kimani appreciated the scope of his assignment. 

On March 10, Ambassador Kimani appreciated President Ruto for letting him serve as Kenya’s top diplomat in the United Nations. 

“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve Kenya as its Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York,” he stated as his role ended. By KIOKO NYAMASYO, Kenyans.co.ke