Mombasa Catholic Archbishop Martin Kivuva has cautioned President William Ruto against taking more loans ahead of his trip to China.
Speaking in Mombasa County on Sunday, April 20, Kivuva noted that many experts in Kenya and abroad had raised concerns over the country's debt burden.
He opined that Kenya could no longer continue to borrow, cautioning that Kenyans would be the ones to shoulder the burden for decisions made by an individual.
"Many Kenyans are asking whether the money that is being brought in is being used for the work it was intended for. Kenyans are worried because the debt we owe is said to have passed the threshold," Kivuva said.
"If you continue to borrow from other countries and other banks, you are just increasing the burden for Kenyans who pay taxes, because the debts have to be paid. This is something that he has been warned about."
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On the other hand, he cautioned the government against using national assets to take up loans.
"Let us be careful. Let us use the little that we have prudently. It is not surprising to hear that reports that there are things that will be sold," he added.
"Kenyans have eyes. Let us continue speaking about them. We should not be quiet."
Currently, Kenya's outstanding debt stands at slightly over Ksh11 trillion. This has seen leaders in both the opposition and government criticize Ruto over his strategy to pay off the debts.
For instance, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro warned that Kenya was at risk of defaulting.
“Any indication that we are going to default or are unable to service our loans is more catastrophic to our economy,” the MP remarked.
