President-elect Ruto Promises to Raise Tax Collections.

President-elect William Ruto has outlined plans to increase Kenya’s revenue collection while also warning tax evaders that it will not be business as usual under his administration.

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party leader stated that he has previously discussed the problem with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

Dr. Ruto’s presidential election victory has been challenged in the Supreme Court by Raila Odinga, leader of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party, on grounds of vote manipulation.

Even as the country awaits the court’s decision, Dr. Ruto has already assumed the presidency, promising to fix the tax system and ensuring that all Kenyans pay taxes.

Dr. Ruto told the counties that cash would be distributed quickly.

Dr. Ruto stated yesterday during the inauguration of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja that he is determined to seeing Kenya wean itself off its reliance on external borrowing.

“I have already discussed with KRA on how to raise revenue and I commit that we will work together with you so that Kenya can live within her means,” said Dr Ruto.

Dr Ruto pledged in his manifesto to broaden the tax base by reviewing and rationalizing business licenses, capping total licenses at 1.5 percent of turnover, and enacting an administrative burden law (similar to the US Reduction of Paper Work Act) to ensure that no business spends more than four person-hours per month on tax and regulatory compliance.

Mr Sakaja promised to convert Nairobi into a city of order, decency, and opportunities, as well as a regional and global behemoth, in his first speech after being sworn in as governor.

He promised to work to secure access to clean, reliable, and adequate water, as well as excellent and affordable housing, a favorable business environment, and effective healthcare.

“You have given me the greatest job in my entire life. Let’s make Nairobi work for all of us. A new Nairobi that will be a first-class county without a second-class citizen,” said Mr Sakaja.

However, ward reps linked with Azimio walked out of the ceremony in protest of Dr Ruto’s participation.

Later, Makongeni MCA-elect Peter Imwatok told the press that Governor Sakaja had not been honest with them when he issued the invitation by failing to mention that the UDA leader would be present.

This is because, as Azimio stated, they feel there is no president-elect until the Supreme Court rules differently.

In other news, Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka hailed his fans Wednesday for electing governors on his party’s slate.

During the inauguration of Governors Wavinya Ndeti (Machakos) and Mutula Kilonzo Jr (Makueni), the former vice president stated that the election of Wiper governors had restored the region’s honor.

“You have saved me from the yoke of the three former governors by electing Wiper governors,” Mr Musyoka said in reference to outgoing governors Alfred Mutua (Machakos), Charity Ngilu (Kitui), and Kivutha Kibwana (Makueni).