Gachagua Vows to Scrap Housing Levy, Devolve Programme to Counties if Elected in 2027

Former Deputy President and DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua has vowed to abolish the housing levy if elected for the presidency in the 2027 general election.

Gachagua termed the house levy as a burden on Kenyans struggling with the cost of living pledging to devolve the affordable housing programme to county governments.

Speaking while addressing congregants at a church service in Nyeri on Sunday, 14th September 2025, Gachagua said his administration would prioritize economic relief over punitive taxes, accusing the current government of frustrating citizens with unnecessary levies.

"My administration if elected to office will prioritize economic relief over punitive taxes, this regime is frustrating Kenyans with these levies," Gachagua said.

According to Gachagua, scrapping the housing levy will see counties collecting rent from the houses and pay back the money to citizens who have been contributing to the housing project.

"We will scrap the housing levy that was put in place by the current regime and the units being given to counties for management," Gachagua added.

He adds,“I will hand over the ongoing housing projects to county governments to manage, collect rent, and compensate all those whose money was deducted."

The president earlier said the affordable houses project confirms the Government’s strategic focus on expanding access to quality, spacious, clean, safe and secure dwelling places at affordable cost in our country.

“This transformative Plan goes beyond the provision of affordable housing units to presenting opportunities for gainful employment and wealth creation to millions of Kenyans struggling to put food on the table," President Ruto said.

Gachagua also expressed anger over what he described as a “raid” on Kenyans’ payslips by the current regime, lamenting that constant salary deductions by the taxman have stripped citizens of their purchasing power.

“I will restore the dignity of the payslip on my first day in the office by scrapping the housing levy,” Gachagua vowed.