It is cruel and unreasonable to impose taxes on Kenyan farmers

Azimio leaders have declared that the move to tax farmers by the Kenya Kwanza administration is cruel and unreasonable.

Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi on Tuesday March 5, 2024, Azimio leaders stated that it was wrong for the Kenya Kwanza government to target farmers with more taxes on farm produce.

“We also remain opposed, deeply, to the idea of subjecting farm produce to taxation.

Azimio leaders during a press briefing in Nairobi on February 22, 2024. Photo: TV47

“It is our position that forcing farmers to part with Ksh5 for every Sh100 they make from their farm produce is unreasonable and cruel. We encourage our farmers to resist this tax,” Azimio leaders noted in a statement.

At the same time, the opposition leaders led by Jubilee Party secretary general Jeremiah Kioni stated that they oppose taxation of retiree pensions, 16 per cent tax on petroleum products and high PAYE rates for employed Kenyans.

“We remain opposed to the housing tax and its colonial undertones that make it look like the infamous hut tax of the colonial era,” read part of the Azimio statement.

According to Azimio leaders, paying taxes should never be a punishment but a patriotic duty that all citizens can embrace.

However, they explained that under the Kenya Kwanza regime, taxation is a punishment that is hurting the entire economy.

Jubilee Party secretary general Jeremiah Kioni (center) speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi. Photo: Jubilee party/X

Meanwhile, the Azimio principals maintained that the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report should be implemented as it is.

The opposition leaders also insisted that the processing of the NADCO report and the bills should be fast tracked.

“Regrettably, we have also been informed of forces in Kenya Kwanza, in and outside parliament, who are determined to undermine the report.

“We notify those forces that should any efforts to undermine or tamper with the report succeed, there will be a very heavy price to pay,” Azimio noted.

In addition, the opposition leaders alleged that some Kenya Kwanza politicians were planning to interfere with NADCO report, and hinder its implementation.