Senator Ledama. Photo/Courtesy
Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina has called on Members of Parliament to overhaul Kenya’s tax system, warning that the current structure traps citizens in poverty while enriching elites and multinational companies.
His appeal came during the 2026 Legislative Retreat in Naivasha, where he addressed legislators on the eve of Parliament’s resumption.
In a series of posts on X, Ledama highlighted the disparity between the cost of essential goods in Kenya and abroad.
“An iMac or computer costs almost twice as much here as in Dubai. Our workers earn so little. Yet they pay high prices for used cars from Japan and basic work tools. All because of duties, VAT, and extra fees on top of low pay,” he said.
Ledama noted that Kenya’s tax system disproportionately affects ordinary citizens while wealthy corporations and elites exploit loopholes to avoid contributions.
“We tax everyday survival, not rich people or big company profits. It’s an old system from decades ago. It hurts poor countries,” he said, warning that the country ranks 16th among the world’s poorest nations.
The Senator urged lawmakers to consider cutting taxes on essential and productive imports to enable citizens to climb out of poverty.
“Taxes should help people escape poverty, not trap them in it. If we’re truly poor, why pay Ksh 360,000 for the same computer that rich countries get for Ksh 190,000?” he questioned.
Ledama also criticized international financial institutions such as the IMF and World Bank, accusing them of perpetuating debt dependency in developing nations.
Addressing legislators, he reminded them that the 2027 general elections are less than 18 months away, with many likely to focus on campaigning rather than lawmaking.
“Most of us will campaign full time. We will collect salaries but miss passing laws. Let’s change that,” he urged.
“Cut these taxes now. Build our legacy. Put Kenya first and change headlines like today’s Daily Nation: ‘Sh11bn looted from SHA to MPs,’ saving Kenyans from the Bretton Woods institutions’ neocolonial policies,” he said.
Ledama’s remarks signal growing pressure on lawmakers to prioritize economic justice and structural reform before the upcoming elections.