Kenyan lawyer Willis Otieno has questioned the country’s current fiscal direction, warning that rising taxes are being used to manage debt pressure rather than support long-term development.
In a statement shared on X, Otieno argued that government policy focuses on sustaining debt repayments instead of addressing underlying financial weaknesses.
Otieno framed Kenya’s debt strategy as a short-term response to deeper structural problems.
He said the government continues to meet its financial obligations not to restore fiscal stability, but to prevent wider systemic strain.
According to him, this approach delays meaningful reform while placing increased pressure on taxpayers.
His remarks come at a time when Kenyans are facing higher taxes and levies introduced through recent finance laws.
The government has defended these measures as necessary to boost revenue, reduce budget deficits, and meet debt obligations.
However, Otieno contended that the tax burden is not translating into productive investment or broad-based economic gains.
In his statement, Otieno linked the current debt challenge to past governance failures.
He said funds that were initially borrowed for development have instead turned into long-term liabilities due to mismanagement, rent-seeking, and what he described as excess among political and economic elites. He did not name specific individuals or institutions.
The lawyer further argued that the effects of fiscal tightening are unevenly distributed.
According to Otieno, low-income earners shoulder the cost of austerity measures, while those with influence remain insulated from the impact.
He described this as a system where public sacrifice supports entrenched privilege.
Kenya’s public debt has expanded over the years as successive governments borrowed to finance infrastructure projects and cover budget shortfalls.
Debt servicing now accounts for a significant share of annual government expenditure, limiting resources available for social services and development programmes.
While Otieno did not propose specific policy changes, his comments add to ongoing public discussion around taxation, public borrowing, and accountability in the use of public funds.
These debates have intensified amid rising living costs and concerns about household purchasing power.
The National Treasury has consistently maintained that its fiscal policies are aimed at stabilising the economy and safeguarding growth.
Otieno’s statement, however, underscores continued scrutiny from legal professionals and members of the public over whether current debt and tax strategies serve the broader interests of Kenyan citizens.