Kenyan Newspapers, December 13: William Ruto Says Overtaxing Kenyans Revived Economy

On Wednesday, December 13, the national newspapers recapped the events on Jamhuri Day in which President William Ruto led Kenyans in marking its 60th edition.

1. The Standard

The publication highlighted the president's speech on Jamhuri Day, held at Uhuru Gardens on Tuesday, December 12.

Ruto told the nation that the new tax regimes coming up incessantly were in the best interest of the country.

He said it was sacrifices by Kenyans to salvage their country from the shackles of debt inherited from the previous administration.

He said Kenyans were doing their part to support the effort to stabilise and grow the economy.

With the Kenyans' commitment to remit their dues, the president vowed to take care of the funds, putting corrupt government officials on notice.

"Their sacrifices and contributions are essential and must be honoured. We are therefore taking strong measures to ensure that all revenue is administered transparently, efficiently and in a secure manner," he said.

2. Daily Nation

The daily reported on Ruto's move to scrap visa requirements for foreigners coming to Kenya.

While announcing visa-free entry into the country for all international travellers, the president emphasised that the digital system, kicking off in January 2024, would eliminate the need for visitors to apply for visas, a process that typically takes time.

"Beginning January 2024, Kenya will be a visa-free country. It will no longer be necessary for any person from any corner of the globe to carry the burden of applying for a visa to come to Kenya," he declared.

The head of state indicated that all visitors entering the country will be required to register on an electronic platform and obtain an electronic travel authorisation.

"To implement this new policy, we have developed a digital platform to ensure that all travellers to Kenya are identified in advance on an electronic platform; consequently, all travellers will obtain electronic travel authorisation as they come to Kenya," added the president.

The abolishment would be part of a broader embrace of globalisation and the opening of borders to drive the country's socio-economic development.

3. Taifa Leo

The Kiswahili daily covered the excitement treated to Kenyans by Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja when he boarded a vintage car during the Jamhuri Day fete on Tuesday, December 12.

The governor captivated Kenyans during his arrival.

Sakaja ditched the traditional government Sports Utility Vehicles for the vintage official Nairobi Governor's car.

Built in 1947, the vehicle is structured as a limousine with a separate section for the driver and is separated by a glass partition.

It has beautiful black leather seats with two additional fold-down jump seats and air conditioning.

The more than 50-year-old navy blue Vanden Plas Princess was bought as the official car of the Nairobi mayor under the defunct Nairobi City Council for Charles Rubia.

It was grounded in 1983 after the council was dissolved and replaced with a commission until 2013 when former Nairobi governor Evans Kidero boarded it to his swearing-in ceremony with a customised number plate; NCC 1.

The first-term governor was treated to thunderous applause amid excitement at Uhuru Gardens ahead of this year's celebrations.

Social media users went into a frenzy following his arrival as most debated on the make of the ceremonial car rarely seen in official events.

However, not all appreciated the county chief's show of opulence as others criticised it, claiming it evoked memories of colonialism.

4. The Star

The Star reported on the tragic end of a police officer who had been part of an anti-FGM operation in Elgeyo Marakwet.

Identified as Corporal Boma, the officer attached to the Maron Police Post within Embolot Location was attacked on Monday, December 11, after participating in an operation to rescue a group of girls lined up for initiation.

The attackers armed with stones and crude weapons stormed the post and stoned the officer, who succumbed to the injuries shortly after.

The operation undertaken by officers from the Chesoi Police Station and General Service Unit (GSU) officers rescued six girls readied for the initiation.

The suspects torched the officer's belongings, including bedding, before making away with his G3 Riffle.