Kalonzo vows to scrap housing levy, restore dignity to Kenyans’ payslips

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BALTIMORE, US

At a packed townhall with Kenyans in Baltimore on Saturday, former Vice President and Azimio leader Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka promised sweeping reforms to tackle overtaxation and restore dignity to hardworking citizens.

“We will abolish the housing levy and end the era of overtaxation that has strangled Kenyan workers,” Kalonzo told the audience.

“Your hard work should build your future, not just fill government coffers.”

The diaspora audience pressed him on representation, inclusion, and Kenya’s direction.

Mr Kalonzo was unequivocal: “In the government we are forming, the diaspora will not be reduced to election-season props or symbolic appointments. You will have a seat at the table—not as guests, but as architects of national transformation.”

He outlined plans to revive Kenya’s education system to world-class standards, the kind he and President Kibaki once championed.

“We will rebuild schools to prepare Kenyans to compete globally, not just survive locally,” he said.

Mr Kalonzo also addressed the regime’s constant attacks on opposition parties.

“They say we lack an agenda. The truth? They fear our agenda,” he said, drawing applause.

He vowed that Azimio’s reforms would be guided by competence, contribution, and credibility, not political convenience.

Representatives of the Gen Z-led 625 Movement challenged Mr Kalonzo on youth inclusion.

“We refuse to bow, to be silenced, or to accept the decay of our nation as inevitable,” said one leader.

Mr Kalonzo responded, “Your voices are not just heard—they will shape policies and priorities in our government.”

On economic relief, he highlighted specific steps: abolishing the housing levy, reducing taxation, and protecting workers’ incomes.

“We will restore dignity to the payslip,” he said. “This is where real change begins.”

He rallied Kenyans worldwide: “The future cannot wait. Together, with clarity and courage, we are building the Kenya we deserve. Together, we shall Komboa Kenya.”

The townhall drew a diverse crowd, from diaspora professionals to students, all keen to engage on policies impacting Kenya’s economy, governance, and citizen rights.