Following the breakdown of last week’s conference, the National Dialogue Committee (NDC) conducted private discussions with Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u today.
Despite the fact that Prof. Ndung’u had already testified before the committee, the committee had requested his opinion.
The committee’s co-chair, Kimani Ichungwa, justified their choice in a meeting where the press was barred, stating that they desired “a very candid engagement on the state of the economy and what is possible now, in the medium term and long term.”
According to the co-chair of the committee, discussions with the CS focused on the tax system and the steps that must be made to address the growing expense of living.
Ichungwa stated that they have reached a consensus over the necessary timetables and tax reviews.
“We had a long engagement with the Cabinet Secretary in charge of National Treasury to have a situational analysis around the question of the cost of living and the tax regime to also tie the knots on particular timelines of issues we would want the National Treasury and the government of the republic of Kenya to consider,” he said.
An anonymous insider stated that the CS was unequivocal in its declaration that quick tax reductions are not feasible. But he did say that in February of the next year, a possible review might be taken into consideration.
After the conference began at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Ichungw’a addressed the media at 6 p.m., stating that there had been “tremendous” progress on the five theme areas and that they would take into consideration other issues brought by Kenyans under agenda item number six.
Kalonzo Musyoka, the co-chair of the committee, stated that their goal is to make sure Kenyans’ expectations are fulfilled.
We’ll be able to release our findings by Saturday if you allow us enough time. We’re working together as a team and doing everything we can,” Kalonzo remarked.
Other committee members stayed silent, merely stating that they are completing the finer points and would include information in the final report, which is scheduled for release on Saturday.
Ichungw’a stated, “Once we adopt the final report on Friday for eventual release on Saturday, the country will be able to see the details in it.”
By Nyabwari