Ruto targets cheaper mobile phones through proposed duty removal

NAIROBI, Kenya - President William Ruto unveiled plans to potentially reduce mobile phone prices in Kenya by eliminating a 25 percent import duty on the devices. During a speech at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, marking Mashujaa Day, Ruto emphasized that mobile phones are crucial tools for education, banking, business, and employment, especially among young people looking to capitalize on the digital economy.

He pointed out that making these devices more affordable would help more Kenyans take advantage of digital opportunities. The initiative is part of a broader set of four measures announced during the national celebrations, which also include a proposed exemption from Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax for workers earning up to KSh32,333 per month, a stamp duty exemption for land transactions valued at KSh1 million or below, and an expansion of the National Internship Programme. Ruto informed that these proposals will be forwarded to Parliament for review in the coming week.