Supkem says dialogue report was anti-climax

Supkem Chairman Hassna Ole Naado. [Denis Kibuchi, Standard]

The National Executive Council of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem) has said the National Dialogue Committee report failed to meet expectations of Kenyans.

While addressing the press in Nairobi yesterday, Supkem Chairman Hassna Ole Naado said the cost of living ought to have been prioritised.

"We are disappointed that the National Dialogue Committee did not reach consensus on the issues of high cost of living," Ole Naado said.

Cost of living

He added that "as much as we welcome the proposals made towards addressing the high cost of living, many Kenyans will not be in a position to even take their children to school in January and fend for their families."

Supkem appealed to the State to rethink the Finance Act, 2022, noting that Kenyans are overburdened and adding them more taxes will be unfair.

The council acknowledged the creation of the dialogue team, noting the move helped to bring down political temperatures in the country.

Supkem also called for scrapping of housing levy and reduction of road maintenance levy.

"All of us are now aware that the new turnover tax is very punitive and has virtually led to closure of many small and medium businesses," said Ole Naado.

On recommendations to create two positions of deputy prime ministers, the council termed the move selfish and only meant to satisfy politicians.

New positions

"The Supreme Council cautions against creating new positions whose sustainability will place more burden on taxpayers at a time we should be belt-tightening," Ole Naad stated.

"We urge caution as we create the positions of official leader of opposition and office of the prime minister respectively," the Supkem chairman added.

Instead Supkem appealed to the government to channel its efforts towards tackling the problems facing Kenyans.

"All arms of government should reduce their travel budget by 50 per cent and that Salaries and Remuneration Commission should review daily subsistence allowances for State and public officers with a view to reducing by 30 per cent," said the Supkem chairman.