Ruto unveils four tax and job measures: PAYE cut, stamp duty relief, phone duty removal and expanded internships

President William Ruto announced four proposals—including a PAYE exemption for earners up to KSh32,333 a month—to ease taxes, lower land costs, drop phone import duties and boost youth employment.

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President William Ruto used the Mashujaa Day ceremony at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret to present four new fiscal and employment initiatives aimed at widening the benefits of Kenya’s recent economic stability.

The first proposal seeks to exempt workers earning KSh32,333 per month or less from Pay As You Earn (PAYE) income tax, a move intended to increase disposable income for low‑earning households.

According to the president, the PAYE exemption would help modest earners cover essential costs such as food, transport and other daily needs.

A second measure would remove stamp duty on land transactions valued at KSh1 million or below and introduce progressive rates for higher‑value deals, lowering the cost of acquiring and transferring property.

The third proposal calls for the elimination of the 25 percent import duty on mobile phones, positioning phones as essential tools for education, banking and employment.

Finally, the government plans to expand the national internship programme from 1 January 2027, targeting 50,000 youths with monthly stipends and a digital, merit‑based placement system that also incentivises private‑sector participation.

All four proposals are slated for parliamentary consideration beginning next week, with the administration promising transparent fiscal processes and sustainable financing.