"We will have to pay our taxes to be independent as a country," insists President Ruto
- Published By Jedida Barasa For The Statesman Digital
- 9 months ago
President William Ruto has defended his tax regime, saying it is the only way Kenya can avoid more debts that are not good for the country.
Speaking in Elgeyo Marakwet on Sunday, the president said Kenyans must pay their taxes diligently if the country is to return to a state similar to President Mwai Kibaki's regime when he said the economy boomed.
"We are going to make the necessary decisions to provide the necessary leadership for Kenya to move forward... when Kibaki left office, tax as a percentage of GDP was 23 per cent. By 2022, tax as a percentage of GDP was 14 per cent. That is why we sank into debt because we did not want to do what other countries did," Ruto said.
Reliving the late former president's call for Kenyans to pay their taxes diligently, Ruto said continued borrowing is slavery, and should be discouraged at all costs.
"We are not going to be slaves. We will have to pay our taxes to be independent as a country," he added.
The president's sentiments come amid opposition from many Kenyans on several new taxes imposed since Ruto's Kenya Kwanza administration took office in September 2022.
The new taxes have seen the cost of living go up in the country.
Share on
SHARE YOUR COMMENT
MORE STORIES FOR YOU
Trending Stories
DJ Mo’s former illicit lo...
- Published By Jane
- January 15, 2024
Mapenzi! Zari and Tanasha...
- Published By Jane
- October 24, 2023
Zuchu Speaks on Diamond P...
- Published By Jane
- October 12, 2023
Hio Ni Upumbavu Wasituche...
- Published By Jane
- November 8, 2023
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
How to deal with a silent...
- Published By Jedida
- October 16, 2024
How to set yourself up fo...
- Published By Jedida
- October 16, 2024
Postpartum Hemorrhage: Si...
- Published By Jedida
- October 16, 2024
Study reveals long term e...
- Published By Jedida
- October 16, 2024
Latest Stories
7 signs that show you are...
- Published By Jedida
- November 5, 2024
8 habits that can help yo...
- Published By Jedida
- November 5, 2024
Willy Paul terms infideli...
- Published By Jedida
- November 5, 2024
Mammito announces upcomin...
- Published By Jedida
- November 5, 2024