File image of Narok Senator Ledama Olekina
Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has urged President William Ruto to lower taxes if he wants to collect more revenue.
In a statement on Saturday, June 3, Ledama said that lowering taxes will encourage Kenyans to start businesses and pay taxes.
He noted that the Kenya Kwanza government should shift focus from the arithmetic effect to the economic effect, which will enable the government to collect more taxes.
“If you want to collect more revenue The Hon William Ruto you should lower taxes to encourage more people to start businesses and you will collect more taxes -economic effect -rather than what you are doing focusing on the arithmetic effect where your aim is to collect more taxes by increasing taxes,” said Ledama.
The second-term senator argued that raising taxes will push investors out of the country and go to other African states where they are welcomed.
“The unintended consequences will be to send investors to other countries such as Zambia where they are being welcomed. Case in point the agricultural sector,” he added.
Ledama’s sentiments echo that of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga who has called on the Kenya Kwanza government to stop overtaxing Kenyans saying most people are struggling.
The Azimio la Umoja chief has instead urged the President Ruto-led administration to consult stakeholders and come up with ways of raising revenue without hurting Kenyans.
“Sometimes, you can milk a cow too much until only blood comes out. You promised to fight for hustlers, now mama mbogas are being oppressed as they go about their mama mboga businesses,” Raila says.
Also Read: Senator Ledama Reveals How He Was Rigged Out of State Commendation Award
