National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has addressed concerns regarding his health, which have been raised since he assumed office.
Mbadi while appearing before the Senate on Wednesday, October 2, said that people who are growing of age should keep fit as it is healthy.
The CS went on to state that he has been cutting his weight adding that it has nothing to do with the pressure that comes with the Ministry.
“There were talks that I have lost weight. I just want to advise those who are graduating in age that you must keep fit, it is healthy, and it is very good for your health,” he said.
“I have deliberately been cutting that weight, it had nothing to do with pressure or stress.”
John Mbadi Speaks About Losing Weight
At the same time, Mbadi acknowledged the pressure at the Treasury Ministry but stated that he is well-prepared to handle it.
“There is pressure at the Treasury yes, there is no doubt, but it is not something that is mountable it is something that I am prepared for, and I will continue to discharge my duties,” added Mbadi.
The CS assumed office after Kenya faced significant debt challenges, just a month after President William Ruto withdrew the controversial Financial Bill 2024, which had proposed tax hikes and had a targeted additional revenue of more than Ksh346 billion.
Following this, the CS outlined key measures aimed at increasing revenue and ensuring the stability of the ministry.
Also Read: Cracks in ODM as Sifuna Blasts Mbadi During Senate Session
Speaking during the handing over event from the former CS Njuguna Ndungu, Mbadi said that he will implement various cost cutting measures including the removal of zero rating.
According to Mbadi, although the proposal, which was in the Finance Bill 2024, had been rejected, it was the best way to help the country grow.
Further, he explained that he will not implement the proposal in the bill as is, because it will be a disrespect to Kenyans.
Kenya struggling With Economy Stability
However, he will only allow tax subsidization for basic commodities that affect the day to day lives of the people.
“The country must grow. There are provisions that was in the bill that would help the country to grow. One area is the issue of tax expenditure. A lot of tax refund claims are fictitious, and we know it, so we must look for ways of reducing tax expenditure,” he said.
“We can do this by, there are commodities and items you may not stop subsidizing because they are basic, they impact the cost of living, but you can move them to exception so that you do away with zero rating of commodities.”
Also Read: Govt Close to Agreeing New Ksh192.7 Billion Loan After IMF Delays
The government is also negotiating for a $1.5 billion (Ksh 192.75 billion) loan from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to help bridge the budget financing gap.
This comes after delays in funding from the Interbational Monetary Fund (IMF) where the government is awaiting a long-overdue $600 million (Ksh 77 billion) IMF program disbursement and is reportedly in urgent need of funds.
The US Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman August 28 revealed that the loan approval that was to happen on June 12 was cancelled because the government went against the Fund’s agreement by withdrawing the controversial bill.
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