President William Ruto Announces Four Policy Proposals To Ease Household Cost-Of-Living Pressures

An economic policy shift targeting household financial pressures, digital connectivity, and youth employment has been unveiled following official proposals presented by executive leadership.

For months, organized labor movements, trade unions, and civil society groups urged the national government to enact targeted fiscal interventions to offset high living costs, rising utility bills, and persistent wage erosion.

However, policy measures announced during national public celebrations reflect a deliberate effort by central authorities to cushion low-income earners, reduce transactional barriers for property acquisition, and expand access to modern employment pathways.

The economic interventions were announced by President William Ruto during his address at the 63rd Mashujaa Day celebrations in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.

Key among the proposed reforms is a complete Pay As You Earn (PAYE) income tax exemption for formal workers earning Ksh 32,333 or less per month, a move designed to increase take-home pay for millions of modest-income earners.

To further incentivize youth integration into the digital economy, the head of state revealed plans to remove the 25 per cent import duty on mobile phones through East African Community regional customs frameworks, while directing the National Treasury to introduce stamp duty exemptions on land transactions valued under Ksh 1 million.

Additionally, the executive pledged to expand the National Internship Programme to absorb 50,000 fresh TVET and university graduates starting January 2027.

The proposed policy interventions highlight the central administration’s focus on balancing statutory revenue targets with targeted fiscal relief ahead of upcoming legislative sessions.

Financial analysts observe that while exempting low-income earners from PAYE directly enhances household purchasing power, removing trade barriers on digital hardware can accelerate mobile commerce and remote gig work.

As the National Treasury prepares to table the relevant bills before Parliament for review and enactment, public attention remains centered on how quickly lawmakers will process the tax amendments to provide immediate financial relief to taxpayers.

https://eastleighvoice.co.ke/news/414115/paye-relief-cheaper-phones-more-jobs-ruto-woos-kenyans-with-plan-to-ease-living-costs

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