Kenya Kwanza Alliance presidential flag bearer William Ruto was pushed to the corner when he was taken to task with explaining how he would reduce the cost of living in the country if he becomes president.


This was during the 2022 Presidential debate, which took place on Tuesday at the Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA) in Karen.

Ruto said he has an elaborate plan for how he would reduce the cost of living, which included the reduction of imported fuel taxes and in effect relieve Kenyans from the high cost of purchasing basic commodities.

The Deputy President explained that there are about 15 different taxes applied on fuel, which results in the cost of fuel rising.

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He said Kenyans need to interrogate the 15 taxes and put them aside as other taxes as almost 50 per cent of the cost of fuel in the country is taxes.

"We need to interrogate these 15 taxes which once can we put aside so that like other taxes we can reduce the taxation," Ruto said.

"Fifty per cent, almost, of the cost of fuel in Kenya is taxes. I think it's time as a country we looked at how else we can raise revenue.”

However, Yvonne Okwara who was one of the moderators to mention the specific tax he proposes should be abolished.


Much to the surprise of many, Ruto said he did not have the specifics.

"I do not have the specifics, but those 15 we need to interrogate," Ruto responded.

Ruto however said the latest VAT tax to be levied on fuel is part of the taxes he wishes to abolish to reduce the high cost of living if he becomes president.

According to Ruto, the taxes are controversial.

On the International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan and conditions of the same, Ruto said Kenya should come up with other ways of generating revenue or renegotiate some outstanding items with the IMF.


"We need to renegotiate on some of the items that are outstanding," Ruto said.

Kenya imposed a 16 per cent VAT on all petroleum products in 2015 on petrol, diesel and kerosene as a cautionary pre-condition by the IMP before loaning Kenya.