Senator Karen Nyamu has spurred discussion regarding the nation’s protests against excessive taxes.
Nyamu expressed worries regarding the increase in taxes in an interview with NTV, claiming that most demonstrators who voice their disapproval of the high taxes do not earn an income nor are subject to taxes.
“Those who complain the loudest about taxes do not even make a living. I doubt that you are aware of that. People without salaries are not subject to any taxes. They only get vocal when they learn that taxes are being paid,” according to Nyamu.
Nyamu continued by outlining the fundamentals of the tax policy of the Kenya Kwanza administration, asserting that it follows the bottom-up economic paradigm.
She argued that because the top incomes in the country pay the bulk of the taxes, they ought to be the ones pushing back against them.
“Bottom-up means that the individuals with the biggest salary are the ones who are obligated to be screaming because we have definitely been hit by taxes,” she stated.
“We think the difference is significant. Jua Kali’s taxes have been lowered, and SMEs keep our economy afloat. The onus of paying taxes on such industries is placed on those earning large salaries instead.”
Nyamu emphasised the problem of corruption in the management of tax revenues while recognising the significance of taxes for the growth of the country, both in Kenya and internationally.
The corruption in Kenya is the issue. Because a small number of people keep the money after taxes, she said.
“I notice a lot of whiners on social media. But those folks are simply creating noise; they aren’t even employed. Taxes work well. Taxes are necessary for Kenya’s development and growth.
When asked about the rise in value-added tax (VAT) on petroleum goods from 8% to 16%, Nyamu remarked that if it weren’t for government meetings with producers to make sure the cost doesn’t reach the end user, things may have become worse.
“When prices of goods increase due to price increases and tax increases, the financial responsibility shifts to the producer; producers bear the expense because the authorities are constantly brokering agreements to maintain reasonable prices,” she added.
