Members of the clergy in Kiambu County have expressed hope that the government will address the pressing issue of the rising cost of living in 2024. In a New Year message to President William Ruto’s administration, the religious leaders urged for a review of the current tax regime, citing the struggles faced by Kenyans in 2023.
“Kenyans struggled in 2023,” one of the clerics stated to journalists on Monday, January 1. “There was no money in their pockets. They had difficulty making ends meet, especially during the recent Christmas season. We urge the government to re-examine the issue of taxation in this new year.”
The clerics called for policies that would create a more favorable economic climate for businesses and provide Kenyans with much-needed relief from the ever-increasing cost of living. They specifically expressed concern about the affordability of school fees, with many families facing challenges sending their children to school.
This concern arises despite President Ruto’s remarks in his New Year’s address on Sunday, December 31, highlighting the government’s disbursement of over KSh 127 billion for school capitation in 2023.
“Recognizing the pivotal role of education, we increased allocations to the education sector by KShs 127 billion, which enabled us to enhance capitation for all learners, bringing us closer to the dream of universal education from ECDE to the tertiary level,” the President stated.
However, the clerics’ message reflects a different reality for many Kenyans on the ground. Their plea for lower taxes and economic policies that prioritize affordability resonates with the struggles of ordinary citizens grappling with the harsh realities of the current economic climate.
President Ruto, in his address, also emphasized the interventions taken by his administration to stabilize the economy in 2023. He pointed to increased taxation as a key measure that has protected Kenya from foreign debt and ensured national security. He further pledged to double these efforts in 2024 to safeguard Kenya’s sovereignty and independence.
This news article highlights the ongoing debate about the cost of living in Kenya and the potential role of the government in addressing it. As the country navigates the complexities of economic recovery and growth, the voices of Kenyans and their concerns about affordability will undoubtedly continue to shape the national discourse.
