Kenya Will be Built by Taxes, Not Debts – Ruto Tells Kenyans in Diaspora
President William Ruto has emphasized that the development of Kenya should rely on taxation rather than borrowing and foreign assistance.
Addressing a gathering in Tokyo while meeting with Kenyan residents in Japan, Ruto emphasized that for Kenya to progress, its citizens need to be prepared to exert effort and dedication.
He mentioned that similar to how the citizens played a crucial role in building Japan, Kenyans should be prepared to embark on a similar path.
The President emphasized that he is unwilling to compromise on this particular aspect, regardless of the consequences.
“I was looking at numbers today, Japan, their tax as a percentage of GDP is at 34.8 percent. In Kenya, we are at 15 percent, less than half what it is here. If we have to develop our country, Kenyans must roll up their sleeves and develop their country.
“Our country is not going to be developed by others, our country is not going to be developed by aid, our country is not going to be developed by debt. Our country is going to be developed by us. Japan is built by the Japanese using their taxes. Kenya will be built by Kenyans using our revenues and our taxes. That is a statement we must tell each other,” Ruto said on Wednesday.
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The leader emphasized that he has a clear conscience regarding the difficult choices he is making in the best interest of the nation.
He emphasized his commitment to consistently making decisions that benefit Kenya, even in the face of derogatory remarks from others.
“People call me names, but your conscience is clear when you are doing the right thing. And I will do the right thing for our country, irrespective of what names people call me, including Zakayo.”
On Tuesday evening, Ruto departed the country for an official trip to Japan that is scheduled to last four days.
While on the visit, he plans to participate in a set of one-on-one meetings with the highest-ranking officials and businesses in Japan.
Kenya and Toyota Tsusho Corporation of Japan formalized a collaborative framework on Wednesday, focusing on joint efforts in the fields of vehicle manufacturing and the development of renewable energy.
Kenya Will be Built by Taxes, Not Debts – Ruto Tells Kenyans in Diaspora