Raila Offers Ruto Alternatives to Tax Plans to Fund Budget

The opposition leader Raila Odinga has proffered an economic plan of ten points to President William Ruto, claiming it to be a superior choice to the high taxation proposed by the government in the Finance Bill, 2023. 

Odinga says the President has been neglecting areas that could generate billions to run the economy while focusing on the wrong areas to finance his first budget. Top on Mr Odinga's proposition is to stop the duplication of county roles and responsibilities, which leads to the wastage of resources. The former prime minister highlights health as an area that the government has assigned a tremendous Sh35 billion. Additionally, Mr Odinga suggests that the Kwenya Kwanza team should begin with what he referred to as “zero-based budgeting”— starting from the beginning rather than using the budget of the former president as a reference point.

“Every budget must start at ground zero where everything has to be justified,” Mr Odinga says.  

Mr Odinga has urged the government to be more economical and avoid increasing the budget. He has asked them to seal corruption loopholes that result in a loss of income, rather than impose more taxes on the already strained Kenyans. He also suggests reducing the size of the executive, as well as cutting down on unnecessary travels that do not bring any advantages to the taxpayers.

Mr Odinga decries the Sh41 billion allocation to the Parliament, claiming that the MPs will use the allocation to globe trot. He also requests that President Ruto discontinue the out-of-station, house and domestic allowances given to cabinet and principal secretaries. In order to protect the public from paying higher taxes, Odinga urges the Head of State to stop the misappropriation of public funds, which he believes deprives Kenyans of essential services.