, Columnist
Kenya's Ruto Can't Fix Finances Without Restoring Trust
The president has withdrawn the 2024 finance bill that prompted deadly protests. He has more tough choices ahead.
A street vendor protect his mouth from lingering tear gas.
Photographer: SIMON MAINA/AFPThis article is for subscribers only.
On Wednesday, Kenya’s President William Ruto withdrew a contentious bill that sought to raise $2.3 billion in new taxes following protests throughout the country that led to the deaths of at least 23 people.
Withdrawing the bill was the right move. But without those additional funds, a tough balancing act lies ahead between imposing austerity in the public sector while maintaining access to essential public goods and services.