Moses Kuria has questioned Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura over his remarks on the Social Health Authority (SHA) and the Affordable Housing Levy.

In a post shared on X on Sunday, September 21, 2025, Kuria claimed that the spokesman was not clear about the amounts deducted from Kenyans’ salaries. Mwaura had admitted that he was confused about how much was deducted from his salary under the two levies, noting that he rarely checks his payslip, and promised to consult before giving an accurate figure.

Kuria then urged journalist Nderitu Waihura to invite the spokesman back once he had confirmed the correct details.

“The Government Spokesman does not know how much the deductions for SHA and Housing Levy are. He says he is confused about which is which,” he wrote.

“He says he will consult and revert. I beseech my friend Nderitu Waihura to invite him again once he establishes exactly how much Kenyans are being deducted for the two levies.”

Kuria’s remarks come after Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah claimed that SHA is extortion and not a healthcare reform.

The Social Health Authority was introduced to replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). From October 2024, employed Kenyans began paying 2.75 per cent of their gross salary towards the new scheme.

This has translated into higher deductions compared to the NHIF model. For example, a worker earning Ksh20,000 now parts with Ksh550 monthly, while one earning Ksh100,000 contributes Ksh2,750 every month. Those at the top end, earning Ksh500,000, are deducted Ksh13,750.

The Housing Levy, on the other hand, came into effect under the Affordable Housing Act, 2024. It requires employees and employers to each contribute 1.5 per cent of an employee’s gross salary.

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) was tasked with collecting the levy and enforcing compliance. For a worker earning Ksh50,000, the deduction is Ksh750 from the employee, with the employer matching the same amount.

Ruto defends programmes

President William Ruto has defended both programmes as central to his administration’s development agenda. On the health front, the government has already rolled out a sponsorship plan that will cover over 550,000 vulnerable households. Ruto said the initiative marks progress towards universal health coverage and pledged to bring more citizens on board.

On housing, Ruto has made the project a signature policy both at home and abroad. He has also pointed to international examples, such as Singapore and South Korea, as inspiration for Kenya’s drive to expand access to affordable housing.

Despite these assurances, public debate has continued to grow around the financial impact of the deductions. Many salaried Kenyans have expressed frustration at the shrinking pay packets. A worker earning Ksh100,000, for instance, now takes home about Ksh72,000 after statutory deductions, compared to Ksh76,000 in 2022.