Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has slammed President Willam Ruto after he commended Tanzania for overtaking Kenya in terms of trade within East Africa.
In a statement on Saturday, November 30, Omtatah claimed that the remarks by President Ruto highlighted the failure of Kenya's current policies to sustain its regional economic leadership.
The outspoken senator attributed the underperformance of Kenya against Tanzania to taxation and unpredictable business policies.
"President Ruto’s commendation of Tanzania for overtaking Kenya in trade within East Africa is deeply concerning. Rather than celebrating our neighbor’s growth, this statement inadvertently highlights the failure of Kenya’s current policies to sustain its regional economic leadership.
Kenya’s underperformance is not accidental; it stems from burdensome taxation, unpredictable business policies, and widespread corruption. These factors have driven investors across the border, leading to increased unemployment, reduced tax revenues, and a sharp decline in Kenyan exports," Omtatah remarked.
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He maintained that for an economy to thrive, it has to be founded on consistent policies and that cracks caused by ill-conceived policies are weakening Kenya’s economic foundation.
"A thriving economy cannot be built on overtaxation, corruption and disruptive governance. It requires transparency, consistent policies, and a business-friendly environment that inspires confidence among investors and citizens alike," Omtatah explained.
Speaking at an EAC summit in Arusha, Tanzania, President Ruto observed that Kenya had previously been the leading nation in trade within East Africa before being overtaken by Tanzania.
"Kenya was the leading country in terms of goods and services we trade in East Africa. Today Tanzania has overtaken Kenya and I must commend Tanzania for the progress they are making that the numbers are growing of trade between our countries," President Ruto remarked.
