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Ruto puts tax evaders on notice


President William Ruto says he will lead by example in ensuring all Kenyans pay taxes.

The Head of State stressed that no Kenyan will be exempted from paying taxes due to their standing in society.

“There will be no exemption for people who think they are [politically] connected; I will lead the way,” said President Ruto.

The President revealed that revenue collection is expected to go up from the current average of Sh1.8 Trillion to at least Sh3 Trillion after leakages in tax collection have been sealed.

Addressing the nation during the Kenya Association of Manufacturing (KAM) in Nairobi, the President said it is possible to pay China the SGR debt if Kenyans comply with paying tax.

“It is possible for us to create a million jobs from the manufacturing sector. Additionally, we have the potential to move the contribution of GDP from 7% to 20% in 8 years. We shall achieve this through continuous engagement, consultation, sharing of ideas, and moving together as a nation.”

He noted that there was no reason why Kenya should sell 95 percent of its tea in raw form and allow countries that do not grow the crop to make more money from the produce.

He also challenged manufacturers to fill the gap in the value addition of leather products.

“We can make Sh75 billion up from the current Sh15 billion by value addition,” added president Ruto.

The Head of State said Kenya’s goals of increasing the contribution of manufacturing to 20 percent of the GDP by 2030 will soon be a reality.

“There are bigger opportunities than challenges in Kenya. Let us focus more on the opportunities,” said the President, pointing out that Kenya has a massive market at its disposal after the expansion of the East African Community and the ratification of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

“Kenya should now take its place in Africa. It is in a position to be a major supplier of many products to many countries.”