William Ruto, the President of Kenya, has finally given in and refused to sign the divisive 2024 Finance Bill. After considerable stakeholder input and public outrage, this decision was made. Significant changes to the bill were revealed by the Kenya Kwanza Parliamentary Group in response to citizen concerns voiced during public engagement sessions carried out earlier in year.
Key contentious proposals, such as the 16% VAT on bread and the VAT on the transportation of sugar, have been removed. Additionally, the bill no longer includes VAT on financial services and foreign exchange transactions. Other controversial measures, like the 2.5% Motor Vehicle Tax and excise duty on vegetable oil, have also been scrapped. There will be no increase in mobile money transfer fees, and the Eco Levy will only apply to imported finished products, exempting locally manufactured goods such as sanitary towels, diapers, and electronics.
President Ruto emphasized that the revised bill reflects the voices of the Kenyan people and demonstrates the government's commitment to listening to its citizens. He noted that the amendments will help avoid placing additional financial burdens on taxpayers, supporting the local manufacturing industry, and protecting jobs (Tuko.co.ke - Kenya news.). This move has been hailed as a victory for public participation and a testament to the functioning of Kenya's democratic processes.
However this momentous news have come at a cost. Lives were lost when security forces opened fire on demonstrators who managed to storm into parliament buildings causing chaos and mayhem and destruction. Some of these protesters were shot as they left the gates to the legislature.
While addressing the nation this afternoon, the President has welcomed members of the public led by the now famous Generation Z (Gen Z) to dialogue on the way forward noting that while he has listened to the voice of the people, austerity measures will have to be put in place to alleviate the budget deficit of close to 200 billion Kenyan Shillings.
The culmination has come on the backdrop of widespread condemnation by human rights organisations and diplomats from countries like USA,UK,Canada among other over the use of excessive force while handling protesters who invaded parliament yesterday and even in other parts of the country.
We will keep you updated on these and other news on the prevailing situation.
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