Good News for Kenyans as Ruto Promises PAYE Relief to Take Effect This Month

Kenyan workers are still waiting for the promised PAYE relief, and President William Ruto is once again raising expectations with a fresh promise that could affect their monthly earnings.

For many employees struggling with the rising cost of living, the question is no longer just about what the government plans to do, but when they will finally see the changes reflected in their payslips.

Ruto reportedly promised PAYE relief in February, raising hopes among workers who have been looking for ways to stretch their salaries amid high living expenses. However, the latest discussion has brought the issue back into the spotlight, with Kenyans eager to know why the expected relief has taken so long.

The latest proposal raises the tax-free income threshold to KSh 32,333 per month, an increase from the earlier KSh 30,000 pledge. According to reports, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi says the government is preparing a bill that could be ready by the end of November. The proposal must still go through the required legislative process before it can take effect.

For workers earning modest salaries, the proposed change could make a meaningful difference. Money currently deducted as PAYE could help families buy food, pay rent, cover transport costs and meet school expenses. That is why the announcement has attracted attention from employees hoping for relief.

However, the delay has become a major talking point. In June, Mbadi had maintained that the promise remained on the table even after the proposal was excluded from the Finance Bill. Now, months later, Kenyans are hearing fresh assurances.

Many people were left talking about the repeated promises, while the incident sparked reactions online. Supporters appeared divided, with some welcoming the proposed tax relief and others questioning why workers have had to wait so long.

What happened next surprised many: the government returned with a higher proposed threshold, but the key question remains whether the bill will pass and when the changes will reach workers’ payslips.

For Ruto’s administration, delivering the promised PAYE relief could help restore confidence among workers facing financial pressure. Until Parliament considers the proposal and implementation begins, however, the expected savings remain a promise rather than money already in employees’ pockets.

Do you believe Ruto’s government will finally deliver the PAYE relief, or should Kenyans wait for the changes before celebrating?

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