Dear Kenyans, today, President William Ruto signs the Affordable Housing Bill into law, meaning more deductions from your hard-earned salaries at the end of this month.

With the implementation of the 1.5% housing levy and the impending 2.75% deduction for the Social Health Insurance Scheme, it’s evident that a significant portion of your incomes will now flow directly into government coffers.

The pressing question on everyone’s mind is whether increased taxation will indeed result in better services from the government.

Despite widespread opposition to these measures, the government has pushed them through, leaving many feeling completely powerless.

The sad reality is that going forward Kenyans find themselves in a state of helplessness, with little recourse to challenge new taxation policies or anything else, even through elected members of parliament who seem to yield to the executive’s demands.

The imminent departure of opposition leader Raila Odinga from active politics definitely leaves a huge gap in that arena that may take a while to fill.

So who will now speak for you? The Church? I don’t think so; Civil society? Are they even there? The Media? Well, we can only do so much. But why should anyone else speak for you dear Kenyans.

This situation presents an opportunity for Kenyans to rise to the occasion and demand better.

Mere social media rants are no longer sufficient. What is needed is an engaged and vigilant citizenry that holds the government accountable for the collection and management of tax revenues.

If taxation is the way to go then so be it. But it should result in significantly improved livelihoods for those who work hard for this money. Dear Kenyans, demand for that. That is all we are saying.

Copy by Fred Indimuli- host Morning Cafe show