The National Dialogue Committee in Kenya: a long-awaited report to ease political tensions
On Saturday, August 25, the National Dialogue Committee in Kenya finally delivered its long-awaited report. This bipartisan committee, made up of representatives from the camp of President William Ruto and that of the opponent Raila Odinga, was set up in August after long weeks of anti-government demonstrations. For three months, representatives from both camps negotiated with the aim of finding solutions to the political and economic challenges facing the country.
The committee’s report offers several recommendations to calm the situation. Among these, we find the 50% reduction in government travel budgets, as well as a 30% reduction in their allowances during these trips. In addition, the report suggests the creation of a position of opposition leader and that of prime minister, as well as several reforms to the electoral process.
However, despite the committee’s efforts, there are still some differences between the two camps. One of the biggest issues of contention is the rising cost of living. Kenya is facing a serious economic crisis, with rising prices of fuel and several foodstuffs, while the local currency, the shilling, is falling against the dollar. The government advocates austerity as a solution, while the opposition accuses the government of charging Kenyans too much. The 2023 finance law, with its many new taxes, is hotly contested.
Although the committee recognizes the difficulties encountered, some believe that the issue of the cost of living is not sufficiently taken into account. Raila Odinga’s coalition, for example, is calling for a reduction in the value added tax (VAT) on fuel, as well as the cancellation of a tax levied on salaries to finance a housing fund.
It is important to note that some controversial measures, such as the increase in VAT on fuel and the introduction of the tax for the housing fund, have already been implemented. The government fears that the cancellation of these measures will compromise the financial loans granted by the IMF and the World Bank. The government therefore cannot afford to take this risk.
The National Dialogue Committee report must now be submitted to William Ruto and Raila Odinga for validation, before being discussed in Parliament. The Kenyan president has already said the proposed recommendations are “practical and good for the country.” However, much work remains to be done to address people’s legitimate concerns about the cost of living and to overcome persistent political divisions.