Kenyan Government Defends Tax Hikes Amid Public Concerns

Moses Kuria, the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Performance, and Delivery Management, recently emphasized that the Kenyan government remains attentive to its citizens. He highlighted that the primary impetus for government action is the electorate, asserting that the people of Kenya are the ones who voted the current administration into office. Kuria underscored that it is within the government’s legitimate rights to raise taxes, stating, “There is no other source of money to run the government except taxes.”

Kuria also addressed the concerns raised by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) regarding the government’s taxation policies. He acknowledged the legal fraternity’s stance but maintained that the necessity to fund governmental operations through taxation remains paramount.

The government’s position comes amid debates on fiscal policy and economic management, with the administration facing the challenge of balancing revenue generation and addressing public concerns over the tax burden. Kuria’s statements reflect a broader discourse on governance, public accountability, and economic sustainability in Kenya.

By asserting the legitimacy of tax increases, the government aims to ensure sufficient funding for its operations and development initiatives while navigating the complex dynamics of public opinion and legal scrutiny.