Ledama: Housing fund will be largest scandal in Africa

 

Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina has bashed President William Ruto's remarks over Singapore's success.

On Friday,Ruto said the Asian country made a difficult decision and that's why they are where they are now.

He drew parallels with Singapore whose housing standards are currently advanced saying the country was a slum like Kibera before it ventured into the housing project. 

"Singapore was a slum just like Kibra, the difference between that country and us is the ability to make difficult decisions," he said. 

However, on Saturday via a statement, Ledama said that Singapore's success could not be compared to Kenya's.

"I hear WilliamsRuto defending the fund and comparing it with Singapore and I shake my head vigorously! Singapore success is a result of its strict policy of meritocracy, he said.

The ODM Senator further stated that the much-debated housing fund plan is a scandal in waiting.

"The housing fund will be the largest scandal in Africa!" Ledama added.

President Ruto has defended the Housing Fund proposal under the Finance Bill 2023.

This is after, the proposal to have a three percent deduction from employees and employers came under sharp criticism.

Ruto, while speaking during Madaraka day celebrations in Embu, said housing fund be beneficial among them, creating job opportunities and elevating living standards.

He said the affordable housing project if fully implemented will create one million jobs annually.

"Many countries are struggling in vain to generate a national debate on public financing, taxation and policy issues. In Kenya, we have easily sustained intense discourse on the Finance Bill and affordable housing for weeks now. The debate has remained issue-oriented and there is no hint of divisive ethnic rhetoric at all," Ruto said.    BY THE STAR