Budget 2021/22: Nakuru residents want tax exemptions and reliefs on essential items
Nakuru residents have expressed optimism that Thursday’s budgetary projections will address their welfare by reducing the cost of living through tax exemptions and reliefs on essential items.
They noted that the recent hike in the price of fuel is hurting the middle-class economy bracket because transporters and traders have thrown additional expenses on consumers.
Peter Tena, a businessman in Nakuru Town said the pandemic had already taken a toll on businesses such as industries within the county saying running factories is financially exhausting owners.
He added the budget must not burden citizens.
“I expect that the budget will have funds set aside to promote job creation initiative and not frustrate them further, this will be able to allow us to boost our economy,” said Tena
Stephen Kimani says he expects youths to be factored in the 2021/22 fiscal year adding that unemployment has a thorn in the flesh.
“It is evident that many youths are suffering and we expect the government to solve that by continuing more stimulus programs for the youths,” said Kimani.
At the same time, Eliud Mwangi a journalist insisted that the government must regulate the hyped prices of fuel and render tax reliefs to the citizens.
He expects that taxations on items like cooking oil and wheat flour will be reduced while rising the tax on non-essential items such as cigarettes and alcohol which he termed as luxurious items.
“As the Cabinet Secretary will be presenting the projections we expect a more considerate budget that will factor in the common man to reduce the current burden on basic commodities," said Mwangi.
Susan Wafula expects that the budget will also consider farmers since it is the backbone of food production within Nakuru.
“The budget should incorporate solutions to which farmers can easily access seeds, fertilizers and training as well as reducing the cost of processing products will help reduce the cost of final food produces hence lower the cost of living,” said Wafula.
