Ole Sapit asks State not to impose more taxes on citizens

Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop Jackson Sapit (left) engages Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ in a conversation at Homa Bay primary school. [James Omoro, Standard]

The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) has asked the Government to stop imposing more taxes on citizens.

Speaking during a farewell ceremony for Bishop James Ochiel, ACK Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit expressed concerns that ordinary Kenyans are growing poorer because of the taxes.

“Excess taxation creates an unfavourable environment for investment, which is important for economic growth. This means people will have little economic opportunity," Sapit said.

He noted that it is time for the Government to consider the well-being of its citizens.

The clergyman also told the Government to stop taking loans excessively from foreign banks, which will prove to be a burden for Kenyans in future.

Corrupt pockets

He expressed worry that most of the funds which Kenya borrows are not utilised to improve the livelihood of the common man.

“My observation shows that the greater percentage of these funds which the Government borrows goes into the pockets of the corrupt instead of undertaking development projects," Sapit said.

He condemned corruption saying it has led to the accumulation of national resources into the hands of a few individuals who are in power.

“Kenyans need roads, drugs in hospitals and other development projects. We cannot achieve this if we keep losing public funds to corruption,” said Sapit.

The Archbishop argued that the ACK church will not get tired of pointing out wrongdoings in government.

Excessive borrowing

His comments were supported by Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ who opined that the Government had failed to demonstrate an ability to utilise borrowed funds.

“Today Kenya has a debt of Sh5.5 trillion but we have  opened the door for the treasury to borrow another Sh3.5 trillion. Time has come for senators to discourage excessive borrowing which exposes this country to huge debts,” said Kajwang’.

The senator said he will present a motion that will ensure the Government borrows funds after approval of both the Senate and the National Assembly.

Kajwang’ argued that it is wrong for the Government to borrow money without asking the Senate first.

“Debts affect the whole country therefore both the Senate and the National Assembly should approve the government's borrowing plan,” said Kajwang’.