Finance Bill Relief: MPs Yield to Public Pressure, Remove 'Punitive' Taxes

The persistent pressure from Kenyans seems to have paid off, as the National Assembly's Finance Committee agreed last evening to remove some of the punitive taxes proposed in the Finance Bill, 2024. Kenya Kwanza MPs announced on Tuesday that they had taken into account the concerns expressed by Kenyans regarding the Finance Bill, 2024.

The committee is expected to present its report with recommendations to the House today. Both Kenya Kwanza and Azimio MPs have been summoned to meetings by their leadership to solidify their positions on the Bill. Kenya Kwanza’s parliamentary group, led by President William Ruto, faces internal tensions as Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been accused of encouraging MPs to reject the Bill due to its punitive proposals. Azimio has also called on its members to oppose the Bill, but with the committee now recommending the removal of the punitive taxes, the MPs' approach to the debate remains uncertain.

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah stated that the pro-government faction had listened to the public and would take action. "We have heard a very robust engagement the whole morning from 7 am reviewing the Finance Bill, 2024," Ichung'wah said during a briefing at State House.

"The Bill was submitted to Parliament by the Finance and Planning Committee; the committee has since had robust engagements with Kenyans." Ichung'wah explained that the committee had briefed the MPs and the executive, including President William Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, on the proposed amendments.

"We through that committee have listened to you and the committee has briefed this parliamentary group on the proposed changes," he said.

He added that the committee, led by Molo MP Kimani Kuria, had presented its suggested changes to the Bill based on feedback from public participation.

"The proposed changes capture many of the issues raised by the stakeholders, we have been able to engage on that and agreed on them under the leadership of the president." Ichung'wah concluded.



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