Trans Nzoia Senate Aspirant Wanaswa Challenges Ruto Over Housing Levy, SHA Deductions

Trans Nzoia County Senate Aspirant Paul Wanaswa has urged President William Ruto's administration to review statutory deductions like the housing levy and the Social Health Authority (SHA) contributions to ease the high cost of living for citizens.

Speaking during an interview with Vision news in Kitale Monday, the aspirant who is the latest entrant on the growing list of those who want the incumbent Allan Chesang send home said the economic burden these funds have placed on working households needs to be eased in order to give political lifeline to President William Ruto and his administration already becoming unfamiliar with the masses.

He said despite the President maintaining that the 1.5% employee and 1.5% employer housing deductions form a vital revolving fund, He argued that lowering the deductions would immediately increase disposable income for citizens.

‘’ I know that debates have persisted in parliament and the circles of power regarding potential adjustments to the financial architecture of these flagship projects but the President through his wisdom can fix the disturbing issue once and for all and if he does it, he will have flattened the political tires of the political slogans being driven by the Opposition’’, Mr, Wanaswa said.

He at the same time called for urgent interventions to cushion farmers from the devastating effects of climate change after prolonged dry spells caused widespread crop failure across The Countr’s grain basket.

The erratic weather patterns, he said had severely affected maize production in the country's key food-producing region and asked Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya to assist farmers get short term maize seed to plant during this season.

"The last time the governor gave out seeds to our farmers, we experienced early rains, giving farmers hope of a good season but the crops have dried up and the losses we are witnessing are huge. We are asking the MCAs to institute a supplementary budget to allow the governor do something for our farmers’’,  " he said.

He warned that the widespread crop losses will reduce this year's harvest and threaten the country's food supply if nothing is urgently done.

The Senate aspirant appealed to the national government to compensate affected farmers and consider writing off agricultural loans, noting that about 60 per cent of crops in Trans Nzoia had been devastated by drought.

"I’m appealing to the Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe to consider writing off loans for maize farmers affected by the drought because the losses are enormous. Compensation will also be necessary to help them recover," he added.