Economy
Kenyans’ shrinking wallets: Taxes pushing commodities out of reach

Kenyans’ purchasing power has been severely depleted more than ever before by taxes, rising statutory deductions, uncontrollably high inflation, and a falling Shilling.
Because of this, many Kenyans’ quality of life is rapidly declining as their take-home pay and wages continue to decline.
In September, headline inflation was 6.78 percent, primarily due to increases in food costs.
The country has just recently recovered from nearly double-digit inflation rates of 9.6%, 9.5%, and 9.1% in October, November, and December 2022, respectively, even though the headline inflation rate is the lowest in 16 months.
When combined with an increase in taxes and other statutory deductions, the overall cost of commodities has increased despite the inflation rate’s cumulative decline.
For instance, the increase in VAT from 8% to 16% was the primary cause of the 22% increase in the price of a liter of gasoline, which went from Sh178 in January 2023 to Sh217 in October.
In contrast, only LPG saw a 6% decrease in value between January and October, while electricity saw a strong 28% increase. Prices of other essential foods and commodities have increased by 16% to 36%
More concerning is the way that new statutory deductions like the housing levy and adjustments to National Social Security Fund and National Hospital Insurance Fund deductions are eating away at family incomes.
Kenyans have had to deal with an array of additional levies in addition to growing costs like school tuition to forgo luxuries, real or perceived, in order to make ends meet and get through the day with minimal positive change to their incomes.
Economy
Kenya, Ghana secure Ksh1.5B from US to improve soil quality

The US Department of State has granted Ksh1.5 billion to Kenya and Ghana to improve the condition of their soil.
This cash infusion arrives just hours after Kenya’s agriculture sector was intended to be strengthened and its health system modernized with a Ksh38.8 billion acquisition from India.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) said in a statement that the money that has been given to both nations is intended to be used for mapping soil fertility.
“The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed the announcement of an additional $10 million from the United States Department of State for projects mapping soil fertility in Ghana and Kenya to promote climate-smart agriculture and adaptation measures, resilient crops, fertilizer use efficiency, and soil health,” FAO stated.
FAO Deputy Director-General, Maria Helena Semedo, said the financial support is expected to have a far-reaching impact on local farmers and communities.
“Not only will the additional funding from the United States bring the benefits of this project to smallholder farmers and their communities in two more countries, but it also underlines the vital role that healthy and fertile soils play in building resilience to the impacts of climate change and in transforming our agrifood systems,” Semedo stated.
Kenya was promised Ksh38.3 billion by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to support its modern health system and agriculture industry.
The money set aside for modernizing Kenyan farming methods will be mostly used for healthcare treatments and agricultural mechanization.
Hussein Mohamed, the spokeswoman at the State House, shared a statement from President William Ruto thanking him for the support.
Ruto promised to quickly start implementing previously decided projects in order to make the best use of the funding.
“I thank you, Prime Minister, for the consideration of the US$250 million for supporting Kenya in the space of agricultural mechanization and the whole space of vaccines and other interventions. I want to assure you that we will immediately embark on programs that have already been agreed on so that we can leverage this facility to provide much-needed services for the people of Kenya,” Ruto affirmed.
Economy
Dress down: Felix Koskei injects style into civil service

Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, has issued a groundbreaking directive urging civil servants to ditch the typical formal attire in favor of a more casual and stylish dress code.
The move comes as Kenya prepares to host the Africa YouthConnekt Summit from December 8-11, aiming to inject vibrancy and inclusivity into the workplace.
The goal of the directive is to revitalize the formal dress code and promote a more laid-back and welcoming environment in the public sector during this time.
This creative program asks civil personnel to wear the jerseys of their favorite Kenyan or African sports teams as a way to show off their patriotism.
The directive seeks to foster unity and celebrate the quality of African sports, whether it is in athletics, football, volleyball, rugby, or Shujaa for lovers of each sport.
The directive intends to foster togetherness and celebrate the quality of African sports, whether it is in athletics, football, volleyball, rugby, or Shujaa for passionate followers of football, basketball, or malkia for volleyball.
“Starting tomorrow until Jamhuri Day (December 12), let’s embrace dress down, stylish, and presentable casual wear, amplifying the Africa YouthConnekt Summit vibes that we’re proudly hosting from Dec. 8-11. Show your spirit by donning a jersey from your favorite Kenyan or African team – whether it’s Athletics, Harambee Stars, Shujaa, or Malkia. Let’s rock those jerseys with pride! @YouthConnektAf,” Mr. Koskei tweeted.
The Head of Public Service emphasized that attire will play a key role in expressing the collective spirit, urging civil servants to “show your spirit by donning a jersey from your favorite Kenyan or African team – whether it’s Athletics, Harambee Stars, Shujaa, or Malkia.”
Kenya will mark its 60th anniversary on December 12, and the celebration theme, “Kenya, Youth, Creative Economy, and Sports,” is set to infuse energy into the country.
County News
MPs decry delay of Mt Kenya projects

Two Members of the Parliament from the Mt Kenya region have raised concern over the delay in the completion of the Mau Mau link road.
Kangema MP Peter Kihungi and his Juja counterpart George Koimburi on Sunday asked Treasury to release funds for the completion of the road that links Murang’a, Kiambu, Nyeri and Nyandarua counties.
They said that in the recent supplementary budget, the amount allocated to the road was slashed from Sh280 million to Sh175 million.
They said the Jubilee administration had allocated the project Sh4.5 billion and substantial work had been done on the ground. Kihungi said road is of immense economic importance to the local community and the country. “Residents are very much concerned about the progress of the road.
The construction during the previous government was going on well and we are worried since in the current budget Sh280 million was allocated but when it came to the supplementary budget the money was cut by more than half to Sh175 million which can hardly do much,” said Kihungi. Koimburi (pictured) said they promised their people that the Mau Mau Road would be completed once the Kenya Kwanza government assumed office.
“We want to ask the Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen to ensure money is allocated for roads being done in Mt Kenya. Residents are eagerly waiting for completion of these roads which are expected to spur the local economy,” he said
-
Kenya News1 month ago
Sex toys, guns, drones among items intercepted in KRA checks at JKIA
-
Fashion6 years ago
These ’90s fashion trends are making a comeback in 2017
-
Entertainment6 years ago
The final 6 ‘Game of Thrones’ episodes might feel like a full season
-
Fashion6 years ago
According to Dior Couture, this taboo fashion accessory is back
-
Business6 years ago
Uber and Lyft are finally available in all of New York State
-
Sports6 years ago
Phillies’ Aaron Altherr makes mind-boggling barehanded play
-
Entertainment6 years ago
The old and New Edition cast comes together to perform
-
Sports6 years ago
Steph Curry finally got the contract he deserves from the Warriors