Overtaxation has led to mental distress among Kenyans - Catholic bishops

The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has said that the high level of taxation in the country has led to mental distress among citizens.

The bishops added that the cost of living in Kenya has seen a sharp rise in the last three years.

“On several occasions, we have addressed the issue of the cost of living and over-taxation. The reality of ordinary Kenyans is that they are struggling financially which, has led to mental distress,” they said in a statement on Thursday.

“The last three years have seen a sharp rise in the cost of living. At the same time, food produce has fetched an all-time low price in the market.”

According to KCCB, Kenyans the high cost of living as well as heavy taxation have only been propagated by corruption in government.

“While Kenyans are doing everything possible to adapt to the cost of living, the church stands with those who cannot afford to put food on the table, take children to schools, or pay medical bills,” they stated.

“Unemployment is also at its height. Moreover, we continue to be heavily taxed by corruption in our service systems.”

The bishops further added that the goal of a nation should be to ensure that every citizen can meet their basic needs.