Safina Party has unveiled a raft of tax and governance reforms it says would ease the cost of living for Kenyans, including abolishing the 16 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT), scrapping the Housing Levy and reducing Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax to 15 per cent.

In a statement on Friday, July 24, 2026, Safina Deputy Party Leader Willis Otieno accused the government of burdening Kenyans with high taxes while failing to deliver quality public services.

“Kenyans are being strangled by taxes that finance waste, corruption and an ever-expanding government instead of improving their lives. That must end,” Otieno said.

What Safina plans to do

The party said it would replace the current 16 per cent VAT with a five per cent Sales Tax, arguing that the move would lower the tax burden on consumers and businesses while stimulating economic activity.

Otieno also pledged to abolish the Housing Levy and reform the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) to make contributions more affordable for both workers and employers.

On income taxation, Safina said it would reduce PAYE to 15 per cent, saying the measure would leave workers with more disposable income and encourage productivity.

Increased funding for public universities

Beyond tax reforms, the party promised to increase funding for public universities and introduce free-day secondary education as part of its education agenda.

Otieno also pledged to cut government expenditure by eliminating what he described as wasteful spending and tackling corruption through stronger enforcement of the law.

The party further said it would promote merit-based appointments in public service to address tribalism and ensure public offices are filled based on competence rather than ethnicity or political connections.

In addition, Safina pledged to recover all stolen public funds through legal processes and ensure those found culpable are prosecuted.

“Our vision is simple: a government that lives within its means, rewards enterprise, protects workers and restores dignity to every Kenyan. Tax justice is economic justice,” Otieno said.