Gladys Shollei, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, has openly shared her views on why Kenyans are reluctant to pay more taxes. She highlighted the public sector’s poor performance as a significant factor contributing to the resistance towards increased taxation. This comes in the wake of President William Ruto’s call for citizens to pay taxes to help clear the country’s debt.
Shollei emphasized that the issue is not about the taxes themselves but rather the services provided by the public sector. She pointed out that if the services were efficient and met the needs of the people, there would be less resistance to paying more.
Gladys Boss Shollei
“It’s the actual service that people want to see. If you tell Kenyans to give money for more officers, they will be happy to do that provided that those police officers actually perform,” she explained.
This statement comes at a time when the government is facing challenges in increasing tax revenue to meet its financial obligations. The Deputy Speaker’s remarks shed light on the need for the public sector to improve its performance to gain the trust and support of the people.
Shollei’s comments also touch on a fundamental issue in public administration – the relationship between tax collection and public service delivery. She argues that the public is more likely to support tax increases if they see tangible improvements in the services they receive. This is particularly relevant in the context of President Ruto’s call for increased tax compliance to address the country’s debt.
Gladys Boss Shollei speaks during a past event
The Deputy Speaker’s remarks have sparked a broader debate on the role of the public sector in fostering economic growth and development. Her comments highlight the importance of accountability and transparency in public service delivery. By addressing the root causes of tax resistance, Shollei hopes to encourage a more constructive dialogue on how the government can meet its financial obligations while ensuring that the needs of the people are met.
In conclusion, Gladys Shollei’s candid remarks on tax resistance and public sector performance provide valuable insight into the challenges facing the Kenyan government. By focusing on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the public sector, the government can build trust with the people and secure the financial resources needed to drive economic growth and development.
