Ruto to hold 2nd media roundtable interview today

14 May 2023

• The Ruto -led Kenya Kwanza government has come under intense pressure to revise proposed taxes and levies.

• The first media roundtable took place in January, a few days after President Ruto marked his first 100 days in office.

President William Ruto is set to hold a second media roundtable interview this Sunday evening with local media houses.

The interview, which will be broadcast live on television and radio stations, comes as Kenyans' concerns continue to deepen on the cost of living and new tax proposals in featured in Finance Bills, 2023.

The interview will take place at State House, Nairobi from 7 pm. The first media roundtable took place in January, a few days after President Ruto marked his first 100 days in office.

The Ruto-led Kenya Kwanza government has come under intense pressure to revise proposed taxes and levies.

However, critics have raised concerns that the proposed taxes will add a burden on Kenyan households and businesses already grappling with the high cost of living and doing business.

The Opposition led by Raila Odinga recently called off maandamano which were being held to protest the high cost of living and demand electoral justice last month.

However, the opposition leaders have threatened to re-call their supporters back to the streets if the grievances are not satisfactorily addressed in the ongoing parliament-led bipartisan talks.

Ruto, who is in his eighth month in office has however urged Kenyans including the opposition to give him time to deliver.

“Kenyans went to the ballot to elect leaders on six different seats. It is the same Kenyans who rejected those planning demonstrations. The country is ready for an economic take-off. A time has come for us to unite and ensure we have achieved what we promised our people,” he earlier said.