A new survey reveals that 70.7% of Kenyans prefer higher domestic taxation over foreign loans to fund national development, yet a significant 68% view the current tax system as unfair and believe the government lacks transparency in public fund spending.

• An overwhelming 78.8% of Kenyans believe the country should stop borrowing from foreign creditors, even if it means higher taxes or reduced government spending.
• The National Taxpayers Association (NTA) survey, conducted in November 2025, highlighted a critical trust deficit between citizens and the government, driven by perceived unfairness, lack of transparency, and poor service delivery.
• Patrick Nyangweso, NTA's leader, stated that resistance to taxation is primarily due to poor service delivery, corruption, and lack of accountability rather than an unwillingness to pay.
• Only 18 out of 1,369 respondents felt their views were incorporated into government decisions during Finance Bill consultations, and 62.4% have never heard of or engaged with the content of a Finance Bill.
• The NTA recommends mandatory quarterly publication of simplified reports on tax revenue utilization and strengthening equity by ensuring high-income earners and large corporations pay their fair share.