This archive report was first published on 18 June 2020.
On June 18, 2020, the government unveiled a proposal to remove tax exemptions for retirees, sparking widespread criticism from senior citizens.
The proposal, reintroduced by Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani, would see retirees aged 65 and above pay at least 10% on their monthly pension of Sh33,333 or 25% for amounts higher than Sh100,000.
While paying taxes is a civic responsibility, it should be fair and reasonable. The retirees, who have sacrificed a lot during their working years, now face old-age diseases with substantial medical expenses.
It's understandable that the senior citizens have condemned this proposal as 'robbery by a money-hungry government.' Raiding their pensions could only be justified as a last resort after the wanton wastage in public spending and tax evasion are curbed.
