Opposition chief Raila Odinga has labeled President William Ruto’s frequent foreign trips as an “utter waste of time and public resources.”....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
The former Prime Minister has raised concerns about Ruto’s administration, particularly targeting its tax hikes, which he has dismissed as counter-productive in attracting foreign investment.
Ruto, in his defense, has repeatedly justified the numerous trips by emphasizing their purpose—bringing foreign investors to Kenya and organising job opportunities abroad for Kenyans.
Raila, however, has disagreed, asserting that the current tax regime in Kenya is discouraging potential investors, meaning that Ruto is only wasting time going around the world seeking investors.
According to him, the high taxation is creating an unfriendly environment for businesses, both existing and potential.
He has criticized the government’s approach, claiming that it is taking too much from businesses.
“If the government wants to take everything from you, what is the incentive to do business?” he posed in an interview with Citizen TV on Wednesday.
Odinga argued that such high taxes are driving investors away, prompting them to seek more tax-friendly destinations for their ventures.
Dismissing Ruto’s international endeavours, Odinga expressed skepticism about their effectiveness.
He specifically targeted Ruto’s US-Kenya business roadshow, where the president engaged with leaders of top American technology companies to showcase Kenya’s potential in the booming tech sector.
Odinga contended that before any foreign investor commits to Kenya, they consult those already established in the country to gauge the business environment.
He said that this clever strategy is used to gauge whether it is worth investing in Kenya, even after the potential investors meet the President.
“You can make so many trips to the US, to Silicon Valley, but they will ask those American companies which are already here. So, it’s a waste of time and public funds globetrotting hoping you will bring investment here,” said the leader.
In his view, Ruto’s efforts are futile, and he boldly declared, “It’s a waste of time and public funds globetrotting hoping you will bring investment here.”
He argued that the government’s focus should be on creating a favourable business environment domestically before seeking international investments...CONTINUE READING>>
