Despite facing a wave of public dissent, Kenya’s parliament has moved the Finance Bill 2024 forward in the legislative process. The proposed legislation, which includes the introduction of new tax measures, has been met with considerable pushback from citizens concerned about its potential economic repercussions.
The parliamentary vote resulted in 204 members supporting the bill and 115 opposing it, propelling the bill into the committee phase and setting the stage for a third reading.
Should the bill ultimately be enacted, it is designed to generate an additional KSh 346 billion in revenue through the imposition of new taxes. The government plans to allocate these funds towards servicing the national debt and financing various development initiatives.
The Finance Bill 2024, initially presented in May, has been at the center of heated debate due to the tax increases it proposes.
The bill’s unpopularity sparked widespread protests across the country, with significant demonstrations occurring in the capital city of Nairobi and in Eldoret, the hometown of President William Ruto. The protests have been notably driven by the nation’s youth, who are voicing their concerns over the escalating cost of living.
In an attempt to quell the unrest, the government retracted several controversial elements of the bill, including a 16% tax on bread and a 2.5% yearly tax on motor vehicles. Nevertheless, the public’s opposition has persisted, with many continuing to advocate for the bill’s complete dismissal.
The demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024 have been predominantly nonviolent and fueled by social media campaigns. Hashtags such as #OccupyParliament and #RejectFinanceBill2024 have been instrumental in mobilizing support. The movement has attracted a diverse group of participants, including young professionals like doctors and lawyers, which underscores the extensive dissatisfaction throughout the country.
