Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni has drawn attention to rising living costs, unemployment, and governance concerns in a statement released on Thursday during Kenya’s Jamhuri Day celebrations.
Kioni urged the government to prioritise tangible results over public speeches, highlighting the economic hardships facing ordinary Kenyans.
In his statement shared on X, Kioni emphasised that Jamhuri Day should be a moment for reflection rather than political messaging.
He argued that many households continue to face high taxation, escalating prices of essential goods, and limited employment opportunities for youth, challenges he says contradict government claims of progress.
“This administration promised a better life; instead, it has delivered higher taxes, unbearable prices, joblessness, and excuses dressed as progress,” Kioni said.
He added that prosperity cannot be claimed when families are struggling to meet basic needs, and youth unemployment remains high.
Kioni also criticised what he described as a focus on statistics over real outcomes.
He argued that reforms and achievements cannot be celebrated while corruption and inefficiency persist, framing governance as a matter of measurable service delivery rather than rhetoric.
Jamhuri Day, celebrated annually on December 12, marks Kenya’s independence and the establishment of the republic.
The day often serves as a platform for leaders to reflect on national achievements and challenges.
This year, discussions around the cost of living, taxation policies, and job creation dominated public discourse, providing context for Kioni’s remarks.
Highlighting the broader implications, Kioni framed independence as a concept linked to fairness, dignity, and opportunity for all citizens.
“Governance is about delivering results, not spinning statistics,” he said, underlining Jubilee’s stance on accountability and citizen welfare.
The remarks also come amid ongoing debates over economic performance and social policies, particularly following recent increases in tax rates and continued concerns over youth employment.