President Kenyatta makes quiet return to the country amid deafening silence on fuel tax

david nganga

September 10, 2018 1:05 PM

Kenyans have questioned Uhuru's silence on the 16 per cent VAT on fuel

President Uhuru Kenyatta made a low-key return to the country on Sunday evening amid a nationwide uproar over hiked tax on fuel products.

The president was expected back in Kenya last Wednesday from the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) 2018 Summit that happened in Beijing, China before heading straight to Rwanda for the Green Revolution conference and meetings with continental leaders.

The Nairobi News, however, reports that Mr Kenyatta's whereabouts have remained a tightly held secret for the past five days despite mounting pressure on him to suspend the 16 per cent VAT on petroleum products that took effect on September 1.

There were no social media updates from the president's communication team on his Sunday return as is usually the norm.

Hamper services

The president is set to receive the Finance Bill and should he assent to it, the VAT will be suspended bringing down the cost of fuel.

Treasury is reportedly pushing Parliament to allow the fuel tax to take effect, noting that its suspension for another two years would hamper essential services and key Government projects.

The VAT charge on petroleum is part of the tough conditions the International Monetary Fund (IMF) set for Kenya in exchange for a standby credit facility that the country can draw from in the event of economic distress.

Treasury is hoping to collect Sh70 billion from the levy.

david nganga