President William Ruto has announced a raft of tax relief measures targeting low-income earners, property buyers and mobile phone users as his administration seeks to ease the cost of living and expand economic opportunities for Kenyans.
The President unveiled the proposed measures during this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret City, Uasin Gishu County, where he and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki outlined the government’s achievements and plans for the country.
Among the measures announced by President Ruto was a proposal to exempt Kenyans earning Sh32,333 or less from paying Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax.
The government also plans to exempt land transactions valued at Sh1 million or less from stamp duty while introducing progressive rates for higher-value transactions.
In another measure aimed at easing the cost of accessing technology, the President announced plans to remove the 25 per cent import duty on mobile phones.
The government will also expand its internship programme, a move expected to create more opportunities for young people seeking workplace experience and a pathway into employment.
The announcements formed a key part of the administration’s message during the national celebrations, which recognise Kenyans who have made outstanding contributions to the country’s independence, development and progress.
Economic relief
The proposed tax changes are expected to feature prominently in the government’s efforts to improve household incomes and widen access to economic opportunities.
The planned PAYE exemption would directly benefit workers earning lower salaries by increasing the amount of money they take home each month.
Similarly, the proposed stamp duty exemption on lower-value land transactions could reduce the cost of transferring property for buyers involved in transactions valued at Sh1 million or less.
The proposed removal of import duty on mobile phones would also target the cost of acquiring devices increasingly used for communication, education, business and access to digital services.
The expansion of the internship programme, meanwhile, is intended to strengthen opportunities for young Kenyans to gain practical skills and work experience.
However, the implementation details and timelines for the proposed measures will be critical in determining how quickly Kenyans benefit from the announcements.
Government defends its record
Deputy President Kindiki used the national celebrations to highlight progress made by the Kenya Kwanza administration since it assumed office in 2022.
He outlined the government’s record across various sectors, seeking to demonstrate the impact of its policies and investments on the country’s development.
The Deputy President’s message was part of a broader effort by the administration to present its achievements while setting out its priorities for the coming period.
The government has consistently maintained that its development agenda is focused on improving livelihoods, expanding economic opportunities and delivering essential services to citizens.
The Mashujaa Day address also provided an opportunity for the President and his deputy to reaffirm their commitment to ensuring that development reaches all parts of the country.
Commitment to equitable development
President Ruto and Prof Kindiki assured Kenyans that the administration was pursuing equitable development and would ensure that every region receives its fair share of national resources.
The two leaders said the government was committed to ensuring that all Kenyans benefit from public investment and development programmes, regardless of where they live.
The message of fairness and inclusion was central to the administration’s efforts to demonstrate that national development should not be concentrated in a few regions at the expense of others.
The leaders’ remarks also reinforced the government’s position that public resources should be used to improve the welfare of citizens across the country.
Mashujaa Day, celebrated annually on October 20, honours the heroes and heroines whose sacrifices and contributions have shaped Kenya’s history.
This year’s celebrations in Eldoret brought together national leaders, government officials and members of the public to commemorate the country’s heroes while reflecting on Kenya’s development priorities.
For the Ruto administration, the occasion served both as a tribute to those who built the nation and as an opportunity to outline its plans for the country’s economic and social transformation.
