The Kenyan government spokesperson strongly condemned a recent BBC article that referred to President William Ruto as “The ‘tax collector’ president sparking Kenyan anger.”
In a statement Wednesday, Isaac Mwaura said the article contained “misleading information” about the state of Kenya’s economy. He went on to dispute several points made in the BBC story.
“President Ruto remains the most popular leader in Kenya,” Mwaura said, citing recent independent research. He touted Ruto’s job creation efforts, saying the government has created over 270,000 youth jobs in Ruto’s first months in office.
Mwaura also said there have been “no new charges for acquiring birth & death certificates, passports and National Identity cards,” disputing the BBC’s reporting on increased fees.
The statement went point-by-point in an attempt to counter the BBC’s negative portrayal of Ruto’s early economic policies.
“Kenya remains one of the top tourist destinations in Africa,” Mwaura said, noting that British King Charles III chose Kenya for his first overseas trip as monarch. He said Kenya aims to double tourism revenue by 2027.
On inflation, Mwaura said Kenya’s rate remains relatively low at 6.8%. “Kenya’s inflation remains low at 6.8% compared to other countries,” he said.
Ruto has faced criticism over increased taxation aimed at making Kenya “self-reliant rather than depending on borrowing,” Mwaura said. But he noted Kenya’s 36% tax rate remains below the U.K.’s 45% rate.
Mwaura ended the statement with harsh words for the BBC and international media in general.
“Days which the international media would thrive on casting a negative light and stories of doom from Africa through yellow journalism are long gone,” he said. “We urge the media to remain factual and non-partisan even as they discharge their mandate.”
