President William Ruto has reaffirmed his commitment to making bold and sometimes unpopular decisions for the long-term development of Kenya. Speaking during the 60th Labour Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi, on Thursday, Ruto emphasized that his leadership approach is rooted in doing what is right for the nation, regardless of popularity.
Since assuming office in 2022, President Ruto noted that his administration’s policies have helped position Kenya as the sixth-largest economy in Africa. “Sometimes the decisions may not be popular, but they are the right ones that will change the destiny of our country,” he said. “I am very confident in the future of our country.”
Ruto’s governance is anchored on the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), a development blueprint focused on five pillars: agriculture, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), universal healthcare, affordable housing, and the digital and creative economy. According to Ruto, these pillars are designed to uplift ordinary Kenyans and drive inclusive economic growth.
In line with this vision, the President said the upcoming 2025 Finance Bill has been structured to stimulate economic growth, enhance competitiveness, and create opportunities without imposing new taxes. He assured Kenyans that the Bill has been “carefully crafted” to promote efficiency and provide relief to taxpayers.
Supporting this stance, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi announced that the government is revising its budget to reduce the projected Ksh.4.3 trillion expenditure by Ksh.130 billion. He also confirmed the reduction of the digital asset tax from 3% to 1.5%, exemption of gratuity payments to retirees from tax, and removal of tax on tea and coffee packaging.
Further amendments have been made to the Income Tax Act, VAT Act, Excise Duty Act, and the Tax Procedures Act all aimed at easing the tax burden and spurring economic activity.
President Ruto concluded by stating that building a prosperous and united Kenya will depend on the tough but necessary decisions taken today for a better tomorrow.
