The Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya, Dr. Jackson Ole Sapit, alongside diocesan bishops, held a press conference to address pressing economic issues, particularly the recent public outcry against the Finance Bill 2024.
Speaking on Thursday at All Saint Cathedral in Nairobi,The Church leaders expressed deep concern over the current economic landscape, highlighting the necessity for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and government tax authorities to engage in more realistic negotiations regarding tax revenues.
“The recent announcement by the Treasury to conduct an audit of the national debt is a welcome initiative that must be expedited,” Dr. Ole Sapit stated. He underscored that while the government needs to fund its operations through fiscal policy, the introduction of taxes on churches, NGOs, and the agriculture sector could prove counterproductive. “These institutions provide essential services that the government would otherwise need to fund. Imposing taxes on them will not yield the anticipated revenue and could instead hinder their operations,” he added.
“The recent announcement by the Treasury to conduct an audit of the national debt is a welcome initiative that must be expedited,” Dr. Ole Sapit stated. He underscored that while the government needs to fund its operations through fiscal policy, the introduction of taxes on churches, NGOs, and the agriculture sector could prove counterproductive. “These institutions provide essential services that the government would otherwise need to fund. Imposing taxes on them will not yield the anticipated revenue and could instead hinder their operations,” he added.
The bishops also addressed the rising costs of production and increased taxation that have adversely affected small and medium enterprises, leading to job losses and stifled economic activity.
The Church leaders urged the government to prioritize its economic and development agenda over the next three years to foster a more conducive environment for business and job creation.
In addition to economic concerns, the bishops voiced their apprehension regarding proposed changes to the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) payment structure. They highlighted the need for the NHIF to address the substantial debts owed to faith-based and other health facilities, stressing the urgency of ensuring staff salaries are paid and services are maintained to prevent closures.
Dr. Ole Sapit criticized the proposed Service Health Agreement (SHA), which limits outpatient services to levels 2 and 3 hospitals under a capitation of Kshs. 900 per person per year.
They highlighted the need for the NHIF to address the substantial debts owed to faith-based and other health facilities, stressing the urgency of ensuring staff salaries are paid and services are maintained to prevent closures.
Dr. Ole Sapit criticized the proposed Service Health Agreement (SHA), which limits outpatient services to levels 2 and 3 hospitals under a capitation of Kshs. 900 per person per year.
He called for a review of the SHA to enable hospitals to provide comprehensive primary health care and effectively refer patients requiring specialized services.
“The SHA must also include educational initiatives for the public and health facilities to understand the new system and its implications. We must ensure that this transition is smooth and beneficial for all stakeholders involved,” he concluded.
