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Kenyan President William Ruto will not sign a proposed law that sought to increase taxes. Ruto’s decision follows a day filled with youth-led anti-tax protests in several parts of the country.

Legislators removed contentious clauses and reduced the tax burden. Protesters wanted the bill rejected completely.

“To the people of Kenya, who have said loudly, that they want nothing to do with this Finance Bill 2024, I concede and, therefore, will not sign the 2024 Finance Bill,” said Ruto. “It shall subsequently be withdrawn, and I have agreed with these members that that becomes our collective position.”

Ruto said he will initiate a dialogue with the country’s youth on how Kenya can move forward and address its financial and budgetary situation.

“I will be proposing an engagement with the young people of our nation, our sons and daughters, for us to listen to them, as I said on Sunday. Listen to their views, listen to their proposals, their ideas, their concerns, and what they think we should do better as we go forward.”

Ruto also directed that the government immediately implement further austerity measures to reduce expenditure in government.

Some of the measures include reductions in travel, hospitality, purchase of motor vehicles, renovations, and other miscellaneous expenditures that cover the presidency and executive arm of government.

“I also propose that, equally, Parliament, the Judiciary, and county governments, working with the National Treasury, also undertake budget cuts and austerity to ensure that we do live within our means, respecting the very loud message that is coming from the people of Kenya.”

Ruto added that his administration will prioritize the fight against graft, which costs the government billions of shillings annually.

“Let me also confirm that as we deal with austerity, the loud message on dealing firmly, decisively, and expeditiously with corruption is a matter that we had discussed and we have agreed that it will take the front banner as we go into the future.”