Kenya Kwanza must review the tax regime for hustlers to thrive

President William Ruto and his Deputy Kithure Kindiki during the 22nd National Prayer Breakfast at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi. May 28th,2025. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Oxfam’s new data shows Kenya is far from the Kenya Kwanza’s 2022 promise of a fair and prosperous nation. The  2025 Inequality Report offers policies for those leaders still committed to that vision.

Last week’s State of the Nation Address confirmed the government has no strategy to reduce the debt-driven erosion of essential services or lift most households from poverty. Promises of universal healthcare and affordable housing remain stalled by funding gaps and controversy. Over-taxation is pushing hustlers underground. Instead of bottom-up transformation, the economy seems to have bottomed out.