Wamuzi News Ke
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has made a sweeping pledge that could shake the economic foundations for millions of Kenyans: if he wins the presidency in 2027, he promises to abolish the housing levy introduced in 2023 and to refund every shilling deducted under the scheme.
Speaking at a church gathering in Nyeri County, Gachagua said that Kenyans who earn KSh 50,000 monthly could stand to get back as much as KSh 38,250—equivalent to 51 months of housing levy deductions. He positioned this promise as part of what he calls an “economic reset,” accusing the current administration of burdening citizens with unpopular deductions that have reduced purchasing power.
He also targeted broader issues of financial fairness, fiercely criticizing what he described as “excess deductions” that drain workers’ payslips from all sides. He said that restoring the dignity of the payslip means ending deductions that do little more than fill state coffers without clear benefit to employees.
As part of his plan, Gachagua pledged that if elected:
- The housing levy would be scrapped entirely.
- All completed housing units under the Affordable Housing initiative will be handed over to county governments.
- County governments will then collect revenue through rent, not levies.
- Those who have already paid into the levy will receive refunds.
He framed the move as a correction to what he calls mislabeled taxation under the guise of affordable housing. Gachagua claimed the national debt has ballooned, leaving little room for ordinary Kenyans to breathe under heavy deductions.
This promise comes amid rising frustration with the current cost of living, with workers across sectors complaining about multiple deductions eroding their take-home pay. Gachagua’s vow to refund deductions marks him out as a candidate ready to directly confront policies seen as unfair.
