Kenyans won't dread paying taxes if money was spent well

Youths during anti-tax protests in Nairobi. [File, Standard]

If Kenyans had the option not to pay tax they would do so en mass. Why?

Kenyan parliamentarians rank among the highest paid in the world. Their generous salaries and numerous privileges raise serious concerns about whether taxpayers are getting value for their money. Parliament's role is clear: To represent the people, legislate, and oversee the executive. Yet, as Kenyans struggle with the high cost of living, many question whether their contributions to government coffers are being used efficiently.

The recent Gen Z led protests last year highlighted the frustrations of many Kenyans. Young people took to the streets to demand action over the rising cost of living, government accountability, and freedom of expression. Instead of strong parliamentary action to address these concerns, many lawmakers remained silent. Rather than challenging early campaign activities for the 2027 elections—an outright violation of electoral laws—some MPs have actively joined in. This shift in focus away from urgent national issues toward political maneuvering has left many citizens disillusioned. If given a choice, many Kenyans would likely withhold their taxes, not out of rebellion but as a demand for better governance and accountability.

One of the clearest indicators of misplaced priorities is the growing political alignment between the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition and the opposition ODM. While political cooperation is not inherently bad, this alliance appears to be driven more by political survival than by efforts to improve governance. The heated 2022 election, which led to loss of lives and widespread divisions, now seems like a distant memory as former rivals close ranks. For many Kenyans, this raises a critical question: If political interests can override campaign promises so quickly, what incentive remains for citizens to keep funding a system that does not seem to prioritise their welfare?

The issue is not just about politics but fairness and accountability. The reality on the ground is that many Kenyans are struggling to make ends meet. The cost of living has soared, making it difficult for families to afford basic needs. Meanwhile, economic inequality continues to widen. While a small segment of the population grows wealthier, the majority are forced to make impossible choices—whether to pay rent or buy food, whether to send their children to school or cover medical expenses. For these struggling Kenyans, seeing their leaders enjoy extensive privileges and perks can feel like an insult to their daily struggles.

This is why frustration over taxation is growing. Many citizens feel that they are paying more but receiving little in return. Taxes are meant to support public services and infrastructure, yet many roads remain in poor condition, healthcare is inaccessible to many, and unemployment remains high. If Kenyans saw tangible improvements in service delivery, there would be less resistance to taxation. However, when wastage, inefficiency, and misplaced priorities persist, it becomes difficult to justify continued financial sacrifice.

The argument is not that taxation is unnecessary but that it should be fair and productive. Leaders have to ensure that public funds are used to benefit citizens directly. Parliament, in particular, has a duty to push for accountability, ensure that tax revenues serve the people, and respond to public concerns with urgency and integrity.

If the government wants to restore trust, it must take steps to demonstrate that taxation translates into improved public services. The growing perception that leadership is detached from the people's struggles is founded. Leaders must not only listen to citizens' concerns but also act on them in a way that reassures the public that their sacrifices are not in vain.

Ultimately, taxation should not feel like a burden. It should be a collective contribution towards national progress. But for this to happen, Kenyans need to see results. Until then, many will continue to feel that, if given the choice, they would rather stop paying taxes.

I am not sure what developmental agenda makes sense to the recalibrated Kenya Kwanza government. But, it will cost minimal resources to be human in the way it treats its citizens.

Dr Mokua is the executive director of Loyola Centre for Media and Communication