- He termed taxes in the country as too high and unsustainable.
- “These are not issues of “global economic problems.” It’s because we have institutionalised and normalised corruption and accepted the degradation of our citizens."
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Lawyer Miguna Miguna has hit out at leaders blaming the high cost of living in the country to global economic dynamics.
Miguna on Tuesday said most of the issues affecting Kenyans are as a result of corruption that has eaten deep into institutions adding that the taxes collected only benefit a few individuals.
He termed taxes in the country as too high and unsustainable as Kenyans could not access basics such as good healthcare despite being overtaxed.
Miguna for instance said that despite the cost of labour being much higher in Canada than Kenya, Kenyans find it hard to afford nearly everything due to their high prices.
He gave an example of sugar, tropical fruits, and rice which are imported by Canada and are produced in Kenya at a cheaper cost.
He wondered why things such as parking, rent, milk, meat, chicken and potatoes were cheaper in Canada than in Kenya.
“The taxes in Kenya are too high and unsustainable. Moreover, compared to countries like Canada where residents enjoy free Universal Healthcare, excellent infrastructure, and transportation networks all courtesy of their taxes; most of the triple taxation in Kenya goes to individuals’ pockets,” Miguna said.
“These are not issues of “global economic problems.” It’s because we have institutionalised and normalised corruption and accepted the degradation of our citizens. It’s as simple as that!” he added.
This comes after a section of leaders from the Kenya Kwanza government maintained that the high cost of fuel in the country is a result of global factors.
For instance, former Kenya National Union of Teachers Secretary General Wilson Sossion on Monday said the hike in fuel prices is impacting economies worldwide.
He mentioned that we should compare fuel prices in Kenya to those in other countries and noted that there is little difference in comparison to other nations.
In an interview on KTN News, Sossion emphasised that fuel is a global commodity, one that Kenya imports from other countries.
"What is happening in Kenya is beyond the control of anybody within the country," he asserted.
He further added that there is limited action the government can take regarding fuel prices, and people should be prepared for challenging times.