Kenya’s tax burden has reached unprecedented levels — and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has now emerged as one of its loudest critics. In his sharp rebuttal to President William Ruto’s State of the Nation Address, Gachagua declared that the Kenya Kwanza economic agenda is “punishing ordinary citizens instead of empowering them,” intensifying a national debate over the country’s rising cost of living.
As Kenya navigates inflation, growing debt, and slowed economic growth, taxpayers have faced mounting levies on goods, services, income, housing, insurance premiums, and even digital transactions. The Finance Act and subsequent proposals introduced new taxes that businesses describe as suffocating. Households, particularly low-income earners, have been left struggling under ballooning monthly expenses.
Gachagua did not mince his words: “You cannot tax a country into prosperity.” His criticism focused on what he described as aggressive revenue collection strategies that ignore Kenya’s shrinking disposable income. He argued that the Treasury is operating like a debt-driven corporation desperate for cash instead of implementing policies that stimulate productivity.
One of the central issues he raised is the housing levy — a mandatory deduction that has faced legal challenges and public backlash. Kenyans have repeatedly questioned why they should fund a project whose benefits are unclear, unverified, and unevenly distributed. Gachagua said the levy was rushed, poorly structured, and insensitive to economic hardships.
The Social Health Authority (SHA) also came under fire. The transition from NHIF to SHA has been chaotic, with hospitals reporting payment delays and patients experiencing service disruptions. Gachagua argued that the government was gambling with the health of millions by imposing deductions before systems were fully operational.
Corruption is another pillar of his critique. The Deputy President said the government was bleeding billions through inflated contracts, political patronage, and abuse of office. He insisted that no tax policy can succeed in a system where public funds are mismanaged.
He also took aim at the Hustler Fund, one of Ruto’s flagship initiatives. The fund was meant to empower small businesses, but loan repayment challenges and limited loan amounts have raised questions about its sustainability. Gachagua said the model lacked structure, training, and real financial impact, calling it “a campaign tool packaged as an economic solution.”
Financial analysts have echoed some of Gachagua’s concerns. Kenya’s tax-to-GDP ratio is now among the highest in East Africa. Businesses have reported reduced profits, layoffs, and increased operational costs. Bankers warn that continued tax hikes will weaken credit uptake and increase loan defaults.
Experts argue that instead of increasing taxes, Kenya must expand its tax base by stimulating investment, reducing corruption, promoting manufacturing, and supporting MSMEs — the real drivers of employment.
Gachagua’s critique may signal more than policy disagreement. It reflects emerging political realignments as leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of 2027. By championing economic reforms, the Deputy President is aligning himself with disgruntled voters who feel the government has lost touch with reality.
His message is clear: if taxation continues unchecked, Kenya risks economic stagnation, reduced investor confidence, and widespread public unrest.