The National Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has asked Kenyans to give him at least one year to implement reforms to the country’s tax collection system.
Speaking in Migori town on Tuesday during President William Ruto’s tour of Nyanza, Mbadi highlighted the need for sufficient time to overhaul the current tax regime and foster economic growth.
“Your Excellency, we thank you for the new task. But I just want to ask you and fellow Kenyans to give us at least one year to reform the tax collection system,” Mbadi stated.
The CS, who joined the government this month after President Ruto fired his previous Cabinet amid anti-tax protests, acknowledged the high expectations and intense scrutiny in his new role.
During a handover ceremony from his predecessor Njuguna Ndung’u on 12 August, Mr Mbadi hinted at reviving non-contentious elements of the Finance Bill 2024, which was withdrawn by Dr Ruto to calm the tempers of Gen Z protesters.
Mbadi said that some provisions from the bill are crucial for the growth of this country.
“There are provisions that were in the Bill that would help the country to grow,” he stated.
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Days later, the new CS reiterated in a television interview that the government ought to explore methods for reintegrating specific progressive features from the withdrawn bill to enhance economic growth and simplify tax administration.
“We must find a way to reintroduce certain progressive elements from the Finance Bill 2024 in a manner that promotes growth and streamlines tax administration,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Ruto on Thursday praised Mr Mbadi, terming him a gifted and diligent gentleman with the capacity to help grow the Kenyan economy.
“John Mbadi is a gifted and diligent gentleman. He has the drive and focus that will refine our public financial management, ensuring efficient Government service delivery to all,” Dr Ruto posted on his X account.
The president added that he had, on Thursday, joined the people of Magunga in Homa Bay for Mr Mbadi’s thanksgiving service. The CS served as the Member of Parliament for the area from 2013 to 2022.
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