Irony as president Ruto say Kenya to financial self-reliance through taxes amid weakening shilling
President William Ruto has said Kenya is determined to attain financial self-reliance through taxes which means more burden to already struggling Kenyan population.
This comes in the wake of weakening shilling against the US Dollar and regional currencies and heightened impoverishment in the country coupled by the loss of businesses and livelihoods.
The President said the government is keen on using the country’s resources to drive Kenya’s development agenda.
To achieve this, President Ruto said the government has stepped up the fight against corruption and mismanagement of public resources.
“We will build Kenya using our taxes. We, therefore, cannot allow resources raised by the people to be embezzled.” The president said.
At the same time, president Ruto asked Kenyans to aspire to make meaningful contributions to the development of the country.
“Ultimately the business of building Kenya belongs to us; the citizens of Kenya. We cannot rely on others.” The president added.
He noted that the current trend where the country uses Sh6 of every Sh10 collected as taxes to pay debt is dangerous and unsustainable.
The Head of State made the remarks during an Inter-denomination Church Service, in Laare, Meru county, in the company of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Agriculture Cabinet Mithika Linturi, and Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza.
Others were MPs Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu), Julius Taitumu (Igembe North), Rindikiri Mugambi (Buuri), John Paul Mwarigi (Igembe South), Murungi Kathuri (Meru), Karitho Kiili (Igembe Central), Shadrack Mwiti (South Imenti), John Mutunga (Tigania West), Dawood Rahim (North Imenti), Mpuru Aburi (Tigania East), Mary Wamaua (Maragua), Mwenda Gataya (Tharaka Nithi), and Dorothy Muthoni (Nominated).
President Ruto said the government is committed to uniting Kenyans and their leaders for the sake of development.
He asked leaders to set aside political differences and serve the people.
“We do not have the time to engage in quarrels and division. Let us unite and work together to develop our country.” He said.
The president added that the government is upgrading the equipment of the Police Service to enhance efficiency in the management of the country’s security.
He assured residents of Meru county that the government will act swiftly in combating rising cases of insecurity in the region.
“The security of our country is non-negotiable.” Ruto added.
President Ruto asked Kenyans to take advantage of the rainy season to plant trees to help mitigate climate change.
The President said the government will continue supporting farmers to increase agricultural productivity in the country.
He said Sh10billion has been allocated to the Agricultural Finance Corporation to increase farmers’ access to credit.
Gachagua urged leaders from Meru County to stop the squabbles and focus on service delivery.
“There is no development that can be achieved in the absence of peace.” He observed.
The Deputy President dismissed demands by the opposition to audit the 2022 saying the matter was concluded by the Supreme Court in accordance with the constitution.
“We want that item dropped from the dialogue items.” He said.
Nyoro said the Government has put in place robust measures to address the cost of living.
He noted that the opposition’s call for dialogue has nothing to do with cost of living but power sharing.
“If we must have a dialogue, let them know that there will be no power-sharing.” He added.
Mwirigi said the president Ruto-led administration is committed to combating corruption for the benefit of the people.
Muthoni said they support the President’s fight against corruption saying those caught should be dealt with firmly.
Aburi expressed confidence in the leadership of President Ruto to lead the country.
Wamaua said the Government has implemented hustler-friendly projects and programmes that have transformed lives.
“If we were to mention everything this government has done, it will take us the whole day.” She noted.
Mwangaza lauded the national government for partnering with the county government of Meru in the construction of a County aggregation and Industrial Park.
