Covid 19 pandemic has led to a massive slow down on economic activities as well as massive job loss all over the country.
With the Budget set to be read, today, Elgeyo Marakwet County residents voiced their expectations on the new budget.
Most of the residents want the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Ukur Yatani, to consider the common mwananchi as he is the one to bear the brunt of the taxation.
William Kimaiyo Ruto, a resident of Iten, hopes with the reading of the budget there will not be an increase in taxation because as it stands, the common mwananchi can no longer sustain financial obligations comfortably.
“The common man is like a cow that has been milked dry and currently it is lacking means of sustaining or feeding itself,” said Ruto.
Francis Kemboi, a small trader in Iten town, says his expectations on the budget are to see the government stop taxation on small traders.
“I don’t think it will be fair for the Government to continue taxing small traders as we cannot be compared to big businesses which are already established while we are just starting out,” said Kemboi.
Samson Kiplagat, also a small-scale trader, is looking forward to seeing how the Cabinet Secretary Finance will intervene to give reprieve for distressed Kenyans.
He expects fuel prices to be reduced, saying unless fuel prices are reviewed, living standards will continue to rise.
Kiplagat said with reduced fuel prices, parents will find reprieve as prices of commodities will not skyrocket and they will be able to cater for their family needs such as school fees and food among other responsibilities.
By Rennish Okong’o
