Kenyans Burst Into Laughter as Ruto Repeats a Promise He Made Without Fulfilling It Last Time

Kenyans are still waiting for relief from Pay As You Earn (PAYE) taxes after President William Ruto promised changes earlier this year. The latest promise has renewed attention on the cost of living and the amount of money workers take home every month.

PAYE is deducted from the salaries of employed Kenyans before they receive their wages. For many workers, the deduction comes at a time when they are also struggling with rent, food prices, transport costs, school fees and other household expenses.

In February 2026, Ruto promised PAYE relief, raising hopes among workers who wanted more money left in their pockets after taxes. However, the relief has remained a key concern for Kenyans waiting to see what changes the government will introduce.

The President has now renewed the promise, putting the issue back in the spotlight as the government continues to discuss taxation and measures aimed at easing the financial pressure on households.

For salaried workers, the main concern is when the proposed relief will take effect and how much it will reduce their monthly tax deductions. Any meaningful change would depend on the details of the proposed measures and the legal steps required to implement them.

The debate also comes amid wider concerns about the cost of living, with many households trying to balance their earnings against rising everyday expenses.

Although a promise of tax relief can offer hope, workers ultimately need clear details on the proposed changes, when they will begin and who will benefit. Until the government announces and implements specific measures, employees must continue to work under the existing tax arrangements.

As Kenyans wait for the next announcement, the focus remains on whether the renewed promise will lead to an actual reduction in PAYE deductions or whether workers will have to wait longer.

For millions of salaried employees, the question is simple: when will the promised relief finally appear in their payslips?

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