William Ruto Responds To Harvard Student Asking About Taxation: "You've Been Talking To Opposition"

• President William Ruto blamed the opposition government for making Kenyans believe they are overtaxed
• He stated that Kenyans must live within their limits as the loans borrowed are savings from other countries
• Ruto boasted about stabilising the economy in almost two years, stating fuel prices have reduced and the exchange rates have also stabilised

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Nairobi - President William Ruto has welcomed a group of students from Harvard Business School to the State House Nairobi.

During their engagement on Africa’s trade and investment potential on Tuesday, May 14, when questioned about the perceived heavy taxation, Ruto pointed fingers at opposition leader Raila Odinga, attributing the public's belief of being overtaxed to his influence.

"You have been talking to the opposition. They are the ones driving this narrative that I have increased all the taxes. Kenyans have been made to believe that they pay the highest taxes. But the whole thing is about living within our means," he said.

William Ruto's plans before leaving office

He stressed the importance for Kenyans to manage their expenses wisely, highlighting that the loans acquired by the country are essentially borrowed savings from other nations, which come with their costs.

As per the president, the nation's tax revenue percentage stood at 14% in comparison to countries similar to Kenya. He stated his plan to step down once Kenya reaches parity with its peer nations.

"I want in my term God willing to leave it at between 20 and 22 %. It is going to be difficult. People will complain, but I know finally they will appreciate that the money borrowed from the World Bank is savings for other countries," he added.

He mentioned that the nation was spending close to KSh 15 billion monthly, leading to the decision to eliminate subsidies.

Is William Ruto's administration making progress?

Ruto expressed pride in steering the country away from the brink of debt, highlighting his administration's efforts in stabilising the economy and reducing fuel prices.

He stated the Kenyans opposing his decisions would appreciate him in the next few years for reviving the economy, which he claimed was sinking when he took over power.

List of proposed taxes by National Treasury

Meanwhile, the National Treasury had proposed a raft of taxes in the Finance Bill 2024 yet to be presented to the parliament for approval.

According to the Treasury CS Njuguna Ndung'u, the proposed taxes would help fund the 2024/2025 fiscal year budget.

Among the taxes proposed are 2.5% of the value of motor vehicles and 3% withholding tax on goods supplied to public entities, economic presence tax, among others.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.