MPs Push Ahead with Finance Bill Amidst Controversy
Samson Cherargei, a senator from Nandi, weighed in on the contentious Finance Bill 2023 on Tuesday, May 9, claiming that it will pass without amendments in Parliament.
On Thursday, May 4, the National Treasury presented the Finance Bill 2023 to the National Assembly, sparking outrage with tax increase proposals.
“On the Finance Bill 2023, the decision to pass by Parliament is non-negotiable, and even commas shall not be changed, as we must either borrow more money or increase our tax revenue.
“The serious public debt of Ksh10 trillion was incurred by the Handshake government of Uhuru and Tinga (Raila Odinga), for which Kenyans now pay a high price. Tinga did not object to the handshake government, despite being Uhuru’s top advisor. This hypocrisy must cease, remarked Cherargei.
He also attributed the increase in Kenya’s debt to former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
“No new taxes are being introduced in the country,” he asserted, arguing that existing taxes were revised.
Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot, who is also the Senate majority leader, agreed with Senator Cherargei.
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“Any discussion of taxes that does not accurately reference Kenya’s debt burden is idle chatter that should be ignored.
“Whether from the opposition or the media, what the country needs is a dose of reality about how steep the climb is, not cheap brownie points,” added Cheruiyot.
Cherargei and Cheruiyot are staunch supporters of the Kenya Kwanza administration and President William Ruto.
Both were elected via Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
Increasing the fuel tax from 8% to 16% is one of the contentious provisions of the proposed legislation.
In addition, the bill proposes a 3% deduction from base salaries for the National Housing Development Fund.
Employers will be required to match employee deductions by an additional 3%.
In addition, it proposes an excise tax of 5% on more products than in previous budgets. Fake beards, eyebrows, eyelashes, and wigs would also be subject to taxation.
On May 7, David Ndii, the chairman of the President’s Council of Economic Advisors (CEA). Rebuked critics of the Finance Bill 2023 and urged them to develop superior alternatives.
“Those who disagree with the Finance Bill should sit down and draft an alternative budget that cushions external shocks without the IMF and reduces the deficit without tax increases. And consider the numbers,” stated Ndii.
MPs Push Ahead with Finance Bill Amidst Controversy
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