Busia county senator Okiya Omtatah has faulted President William Ruto for lauding Tanzania for overtaking Kenya in terms of goods and services traded within the East African region.

Taking to his official X account on Saturday, November 30, 2024, the 2027 presidential hopeful stated that President Ruto’s remarks are deeply concerning.

According to Omtatah, Ruto’s statement highlights the failure of Kenya’s current policies to sustain its regional economic leadership.

“President Ruto’s commendation of Tanzania for overtaking Kenya in trade within East Africa is deeply concerning. Rather than celebrating our neighbor’s growth, this statement inadvertently highlights the failure of Kenya’s current policies to sustain its regional economic leadership,” Omtatah stated.

The vocal activist went ahead to state that burdensome taxation, unpredictable business policies, and widespread corruption had contributed to Kenya’s underperformance following the exit of investors that caused increased unemployment, reduced tax revenues, and a sharp decline in Kenyan exports.

“Kenya’s underperformance is not accidental; it stems from burdensome taxation, unpredictable business policies, and widespread corruption. These factors have driven investors across the border, leading to increased unemployment, reduced tax revenues, and a sharp decline in Kenyan exports,” Omtatah said.

“The cracks caused by these ill-conceived policies are weakening Kenya’s economic foundation, making it harder for businesses to thrive and for citizens to sustain their livelihoods,” he added.

Omtatah on building economy

He further pointed out that a thriving economy cannot be built on over taxation, corruption and disruptive governance, but transparency, consistent policies, and a business-friendly environment that inspires confidence among investors and citizens.

“A thriving economy cannot be built on over taxation, corruption and disruptive governance. It requires transparency, consistent policies, and a business-friendly environment that inspires confidence among investors and citizens alike. Kenya has the potential to reclaim its position as a regional powerhouse, but only if decisive actions are taken to address these critical challenges,” Omtatah remarked.

President Ruto’s commendation of Tanzania for overtaking Kenya in trade within East Africa is deeply concerning. Rather than celebrating our neighbor’s growth, this statement inadvertently highlights the failure of Kenya’s current policies to sustain its regional economic…

— Okiya Omtatah Okoiti (@OkiyaOmtatah) November 30, 2024

Ruto praises Tanzania

Speaking during the 25th commemoration of the East African Community (EAC) in Arusha on Saturday, November 30, where he was elected as the EAC chair, Ruto praised Tanzania for its achievements in increasing trade within the bloc.

“Kenya was the leading country in terms of goods and services that we trade in East Africa. Today, Tanzania has overtaken Kenya and I must commend Tanzania for the progress they are making, the numbers are growing of trade between our countries,” Ruto said.

His remarks have continued to attract criticism not only from the political leaders, but also citizens, majorly on social media.