Catholic Bishops Complain About Govt Threatening Kenyans With Too Many Taxes

The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) put President William Ruto's administration on the spot regarding imposing so many punitive tax measures that are endangering businesses across the country.

Speaking on Friday, November 10 during a press briefing, the Bishops believed that the government should have considered the interests of the ordinary mwananchi before imposing a series of tax measures that are worsening the cost of living.

"We are aware that part of the cause of this rise in the cost of living has been due to external factors like the cost of petroleum, and the effects of the Ukrainian and Middle East conflicts.

"However, we believe a more strategic approach based on the interest of the very poor, could accommodate decisions that would alleviate this situation," stated the bishops.

Furthermore, the men of God revealed that they persistently urged the government on several occasions to reconsider the issue of over-taxation of the Kenyans, and especially to incomes of those in the lower income bracket.

According to them, this is the one factor that has greatly affected the family income in a disproportionate way leading to anger among Kenyans.

The bishops further cautioned that the increase in tax measures was threatening the lifespan of businesses, whose owners are faced with the option of mass-firing employees or closing down altogether.

"Many traders and businesses are now faced with the option of closure or laying off employees due to the immense drain to their resources and added tax burdens," added the bishops.

The Catholic bishops proceeded to call out the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) for its habits of mishandling Kenyans, particularly at major entry points in the country, the most being at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, in the relentless pursuit to collect more taxes.

"Further, there seems to be a lack of sensitivity in the way the business persons and individuals are being harassed by the KRA officials in view of collecting more taxes. This has also affected peoples' morale and sense of hope for a better future," they added.

The Bishops pleaded with the government to find a reasonable balance between the desired income for the Government and the minimum protection of the basic needs of the very ordinary Kenyan, and respect for their dignity.

"Our true patriotism and true leadership, as Government, Churches and Faiths, can only be measured in the care we have for the most vulnerable in society," they added.

With regard to the unemployment crisis in the country, the bishops complained that this was the one thorny matter being faced by young people, which is driving up their idleness and separation after having placed great hopes in their education and professional preparation.

They warned that if not addressed, the frustration will reach alarming proportions, with great social risk and dire consequences.

"We decry the obvious corruption within the public sector, whereby cronyism, tribalism and discrimination seem to dictate the chances of employment. The avenues of fair employment seem to be dwindling.

"The vice of bribery and favours for employment has truly discouraged job seekers, especially the young people. We therefore appeal for more transparent and fair processes of employment especially in public offices," they added.

The Catholic Bishops through the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops during a press conference at Russel House, Karen, Nairobi on April 20, 2023. /THE STAR