Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya has disputed the controversial housing levy deductions while describing why it is a challenge to Kenyans.

Taking to his official X account on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Salasya stated that the levy is not just money deducted from Kenyans; instead, it is the sweat of struggling Kenyans.

On his part, the Mumias East Legislator stated that the House Levy has taken food from a significant number of Kenyans, noting how it has been a struggle.

“The Housing Levy is not just money. It’s the sweat of struggling Kenyans. It’s food taken off tables. It’s a sacrifice,” Salasya said.

He went on to add that the deductions have come at a time when people can barely survive the harsh economy, demanding more accountability and transparency.

“When people can barely survive, every shilling matters.We are not asking for too much. Just accountability. Just transparency,” Salasya explained.

Ruto defends House Levy

His remarks come barely a month after President William Ruto came out strongly defending the housing levy deductions, insisting that the funds are being managed and used responsibly with tangible benefits to Kenyans.

Ruto, while addressing graduate interns onboarded under the affordable housing programme on Friday, January 23, 2026, dismissed the criticism directed at him by some Kenyans over the levy.

According to the Head of State, despite threats to protests over statutory deductions, his strong leadership and faith in the country’s potential made the Affordable Housing programme a success.

“There is nothing we cannot do if we believe in ourselves and if we provide the right leadership. If I were a coward, this project could not have happened the way they threatened me with protests,” Ruto said.

At the time, the Head of State assured Kenyans facing housing levy deductions that their money would be used strictly for its intended purpose to build affordable houses, markets and hostels.

Worth noting, the Housing Levy, introduced by the government through the Finance Act of 2023, was intended to fund the construction of affordable houses for lower-income-earning Kenyans. 

However, since its implementation, the levy has faced numerous criticisms and setbacks, including legal battles that forced the government to make amendments to the Act.