Low-income earners can now sigh with relief after President Uhuru Kenyatta directed the national treasury to exempt low earning people from taxation on bonuses, retirement benefits, and overtime dues.
The president noted that the low-income earners are being overburdened by taxes owing to their meagre earnings that can hardly sustain their families.
Speaking during the Annual Federation of Kenyan Workers Workshop, President Kenyatta explained that his move is meant to cushion low-income earners, especially in the informal sector, so as to enable them to improve their living standards. President Kenyatta further noted that the directive shall be made effective in a way that does not transfer additional burden on the employers.
Referring to the country's status, Kenyatta noted with concern that a high number of the Kenyan youths have been rendered unproductive because of illiteracy and lack of adequate job opportunities.
The president was also quick to note that his government is committed to creating more job opportunities and also creating favourable conditions that attract foreign investors into the country.
He urged all private and public stakeholders to pool up together in their efforts towards realising a more productive nation.