The church clergy association of Kenya has strongly opposed the proposed increase of government services fees, claiming it’s an unnecessary move, when the economy is in a bad state.
The association has expressed concern about the ongoing alleged increase in marriage registration fees and identity card fees.
The association has termed the increase as unfair and inhumane since the majority of Kenyans are living below the poverty line. It has been stated that the increase in marriage registration fees will propel moral decadence as the majority of young people will drift away from registering their marriages in a good way.
“Allowing an increase in fees will encourage moral decadence as the majority of young people shy away from registering their marriages in a godly way,” said the association.
It has further clarified that the church is responsible for buying the marriage books, and taxing those people will mean double taxation which is wrong.
“We as the church buy marriage books and yet you want to tax those people. We are responsible for buying those books and taxing the people is wrong,” said Bishop Hudson Ndeda, chairman clergy association of Kenya.
It has further apprised that ID fee increase will majorly affect the youths who have no means, especially those who have completed their secondary schools and those joining colleges.
“people being issued with IDs are those who are through with form 4 and those going to college. Where will they get the 1000?,” reiterated Bishop Ndeda.
The association has further clarified that the president should take the issue of the high cost of living seriously, and remove the unnecessary taxes imposed especially on crucial commodities like fuel.
“Why shouldn’t taxes on fuel be suspended until the economy is back on its toes? The CS is telling us that the fuel prices are increasing and these statements are bringing no hope to any Kenyan,” added Bishop Hudson Ndeda
