Economic challenges, protests, and the need for productive dialogue

Protesters charging at Police at Mlolongo near express way where vandalism took place on Wednesday, July, 12, 2023. [Samson Wire, Standard]

Due to inflation, a weakening Kenyan Shilling, higher taxes, an unsustainable debt burden, rampant corruption and a lack of accountability, Kenya is facing a cost of living crisis. The initial Finance Legislation proposed by the government, which has been suspended pending a challenge in the Constitutional Court, is expected to impose significant tax increases. These tax hikes will directly impact salaries, petrol prices, and other services and commodities such as transportation and production.

Senator Okiya Omtatah and politician Jimmy Wanjigi allege Kenya's current economic predicament is due to borrowing without parliamentary approval as the law requires. If it is true, it means that a substantial portion of revenue is used to repay illicit loans instead of investing in development and social amenities.