Mr President, your tax policies are punitive

An article in the Sunday Nation highlighted the IMF’s criticism of your administration’s inadequate tax collection efforts, pointing to a need for urgent action to meet loan repayment obligations. Additionally, recent news has exposed the unfairness of your tax policies, which are dividing the nation.

The gap between private and civil servant salaries has become intolerable, causing widespread suffering among Kenyans, particularly within the middle class. This matter requires immediate attention.

Kenyans’ frustration, particularly among the middle class, is both significant and justified. People are being taxed heavily – not only directly but also through increased taxes on their employers, creating a damaging trickle-down effect on employees.

As we approach the end of the year, many companies are withholding bonuses and salary increases, and some are even closing down, hurting the very Kenyans you seek to tax further. Mr President, it is essential to consider alternative ways to generate revenue.

Those employed in the private sector fulfil their tax obligations diligently, with employers ensuring timely remittance to avoid penalties. However, there seems to be little effort to guarantee that government funds are spent wisely.

Excessive travel by Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries on taxpayer money, along with public officials distributing large sums at fundraising events, reflects poorly on your administration’s fiscal responsibility. The uphill struggle you ask Kenyans to endure is daunting. When will you address these issues and establish a more balanced system?

Let me also remind you that Kenyans are informed and increasingly question the accountability behind such high taxation. Corruption remains rampant; those responsible for embezzling public funds face no consequences, and taxpayer money seems to disappear with no improvements in public services. Meanwhile, life for the average Kenyan grows harder.

The financial strain on the middle class is evident – many cannot even plan for Christmas celebrations. I urge you to review these tax policies or provide a transparent account of how taxpayer funds are being utilised.

Charles Wanjohi, Nairobi