Njugush demands government transparency regarding taxation of Kenyans

Renowned comedian Njugush, whose real name is Timothy Kimani, has been outspoken about the government’s taxation policies, particularly those affecting Kenyan citizens.

In 2023, Njugush criticized the government’s proposal to impose a 15% tax on content creators, emphasizing the financial strain it would place on individuals in the creative industry.

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He also expressed concerns about the housing levy included in the proposed Finance Bill 2023. Njugush argued that while building affordable housing is a commendable goal, it should not take precedence over other urgent national issues.

“Building affordable houses is a commendable initiative, but there are critical aspects that need clarification,” Njugush said.

Initially, the government proposed a 3% contribution from all employees to the housing fund, which was later revised to 1.5%, with employers matching this contribution for each employee.

In a recent interview with Nairobi News, Njugush clarified that his criticisms were not directed at specific individuals but were instead meant to advocate for the welfare of the Kenyan people.

“The president does not have time to question my opinion about the government and why I say what I say. Just as we have an opposition, as creatives we should stand up for our people,” Njugush explained.

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When asked what he would like to see the government do, Njugush emphasized the need to tackle corruption and ensure transparency in the use of taxes, which would address public concerns.

“What I want the government to do is tackle corruption. It is not that Kenyans do not like paying taxes; they are just concerned about where the money goes. If corruption was tackled in Kenya, paying taxes would not be an issue,” he said.

Njugush highlighted the potential benefits of effectively using tax revenues to improve health and education services, underscoring the importance of accountability and public trust in government institutions.

“You will be happy to pay taxes if you are sure that when you go to the hospital, you will not have to pay for treatment and if that money can be used to improve the quality of our public schools.”

On May 13, President Ruto stated his intention to raise the country’s average tax rate from 14 percent to 16 percent by the end of 2024, with a target of reaching between 20 and 22 percent by the end of his term.