Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura responded on Tuesday to concerns that international monetary lenders were influencing the proposed taxes in the country.
Speaking to BBC, Mwaura explained that when lenders such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) provide funds to Kenya, they assess the country's ability to repay those loans.
He emphasized that the Kenya Kwanza government's priority is to repay its debts, which necessitates the need to increase taxes.
"As a government, we are keen to meet all the debt obligations that is why we were able to pay the Eurobond on time when people thought we could default. We are keen to ensure that the credit lending remains high and that is why we will do everything possible," he stated.
During the interview, Mwaura reiterated that Kenya was only working to show that it could repay its debts to international lenders.
This remark comes as a section of Kenyans and leaders in opposition who are rejecting the Finance Bill 2024 have alluded that international players such as the lenders were responsible for the hike in punitive taxes.
"We don't need IMF Kenya, we can do it on our own," Narok Senator Ledama Olekina stated on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, in the interview, Mwaura was also asked about the austerity measures announced by the government to curb spending.
He was questioned about the increase in domestic and international travel done by government officials which has amounted to billions.
On this Mwaura noted that the government will now only allow essential travel and travel that will benefit Kenya as a whole.
Mwaura gave the example of President William Ruto's State visit to the US where the spokesperson argued that what Ruto brought home was more than the amount spent on the trip.
He emphasised that the government will implement the austerity measures passed by the Cabinet for the financial year 2024/25.
Additionally, Mwaura was also put to task about his recent trip to the US, he was forced to explain how his travel to New York would benefit Kenya.
"I have been here to negotiate with the World Food Program to give more resources to the counties. My voice here is important to ensure they not only work in Wajir County but reach out to millions of Kenyans who require this," he responded.
Mwaura also commented on the Tuesday 'Occupy Parliament' protests adding that some young Kenyans provoked police officers leading to their arrest.
