The National Treasury on Tuesday, May 9, called on Kenyans to give their ideas on how the government could expand the tax base in the 2023/24 budget.
In a notice, the Ministry explained that Treasury Cabinet Secretary Prof Njuguna Ndung'u was set to read the Budget Statement on June 8 hence the need for Kenyans to give their proposals.
Treasury added that the recommendations would help the government adequately finance the budget in line with the needs of Kenyans.
Apart from expanding the tax base, Kenyans were also urged to give idea on how the state could lower the cost of living and create employment opportunities.
"Your proposals should be centred on the following broad areas such as measures to accelerate economic recovery and enhance economic resilience.
"Ways to bring down the cost of living, eradicate hunger, create jobs, expand the tax base, improve foreign exchange balance and inclusive growth," read the statement in part.
Kenyans were also encouraged to give their views on the Bottom Up economic model that was championed by President William Ruto and his allies prior to the 2022 elections.
"The proposal should have tips on how to foster a secure and conducive business environment to promote investment growth, business recovery and job creation.
"Illustrate how to integrate the youth and women into accelerating sustainable economic recovery," read the notice in part.
How to Participate
Kenyans interested in expressing their ideas were encouraged to do so by writing an email to the Ministry through budgetstatement@treasury.go.ke and budgetstatement@gmail.com.
Treasury added that it would consider all recommendations sent to the mail by the midnight of May 12, 2023
Ruto's Revenue Target
In November 2022, the president challenged the taxman to double its collection from Ksh2.1 trillion. This, he stated would help the country be financially independent and do away with the need for borrowing.
“I need help with our debt situation. I have agreed with the taxman that as a country, must move from Ksh2.1 trillion to between Ksh4-5 trillion,” he stated.
Consequently, in the Finance Bill 2023, the government proposed new taxation on beauty products such as wigs, fake beards and imported phones in a move aimed at rising more money to finance the budget.
