Government Spokesperson Blasts Opposition Over Tourism Boycott Calls, Defends President Ruto's Record
Speaking at the Government Spokesperson's Media Centre at Harambee House Annex on Monday, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura condemned calls for a tourism boycott, describing them as unpatriotic and harmful to thousands of Kenyans who depend on the sector for their livelihoods.
Mwaura said Kenya's tourism industry continues to register strong growth, with international arrivals increasing from 1.48 million in 2022 to 2.7 million under the Magical Kenya initiative and the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) programme. Domestic tourism has also grown to 5.2 million travelers through the Tembea Kenya campaign, bringing the total number of tourists to about 7.9 million.
He also praised Kenyans for defending the country's image after U.S.-based actress Skai Jackson allegedly misrepresented Kenya online, saying the response demonstrated national unity and patriotism.
Highlighting Kenya's global standing, Mwaura said the country has the largest economy in East and Central Africa, remains among the continent's fastest-growing economies, and continues to expand export markets for products such as tea, coffee and avocados. He added that President William Ruto recently represented Africa at the G7 Summit after hosting the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi.
The spokesperson dismissed attempts by some opposition leaders to isolate the Mount Kenya region politically, saying the Kenya Kwanza administration represents all parts of the country and remains committed to equitable development through investments in infrastructure, affordable housing, digital connectivity and economic empowerment programmes.
On the economy, Mwaura announced that the Kenya Revenue Authority's third tax amnesty programme, which runs from July 1 to December 31, 2026, offers a 100 percent waiver on penalties, fines and interest for tax debts incurred up to December 31, 2025.
He said Kenya's economy expanded by 5.3 percent in the first quarter of 2026, driven by growth in manufacturing, construction, agriculture and the services sector, describing the figures as evidence that government policies are delivering results.
Addressing concerns over the Sacco Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Mwaura dismissed claims that it seeks to establish a "super SACCO" or give the government control over members' savings. He said the proposed law is intended to strengthen smaller SACCOs while safeguarding members' rights.
The government, he added, has activated a multi-agency response ahead of the anticipated El Niño rains, with emergency teams, relief supplies and county contingency plans already in place to reduce the impact of flooding.
Mwaura further announced that Sh1.8 billion has been disbursed to 133,484 vulnerable households across eight arid and semi-arid counties under the Hunger Safety Net Programme, with each household receiving Sh2,700 monthly between February and June this year.
In the health sector, he said Kenya and the United States have signed a strategic health partnership worth approximately Sh217 billion over the next five years to strengthen Universal Health Coverage. He added that 7,414 UHC workers have been confirmed on permanent and pensionable terms following a presidential directive.
The spokesperson also defended the Social Health Authority's digital platform, saying the two percent service fee charged on approved claims is provided for under the Digital Health Act and that only the SHA has authority to approve and release public health funds.
To cushion Kenyans against global fuel price volatility, Mwaura said the government has extended the reduced eight percent VAT on petroleum products until October 14, 2026, and allocated Sh945 million from the Petroleum Development Levy to stabilize fuel prices. He said the government-to-government fuel importation programme continues to guarantee adequate national fuel supplies despite global market disruptions.
Comments
Post a Comment