The proposed Finance Bill of 2023 has stirred up mixed reactions among Kenyans, prompting them to start an online petition to shoot it down.
The petition, started by Mutemi Wa Kiama on June 3, it has gained traction getting more than 1500 online signatures in two days. Submission has been made to change.org, an online platform meant to drive change through online petitions.
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Kenyans have consistently complained that the proposed measures in the bill will add to the high cost of living burden that they have to bear, especially targeting those under formal employment.
The petition lists some of the punitive taxation measures in the finance bill as;
- Increase of VAT on petroleum products from 8% to 16% doubling cost of life
- 15% Withholding Tax
- 3% Housing Tax for Hustlers, 3% for employers per employee
- Motor Vehicle Advance Tax
- 10% Excise Duty
- Tax on Baby Formula
- 20% Tax Dispute Appeal Deposit
- Helicopter Tax 16% VAT reduction
- 3% Turnover Tax on Hustler Businesses
- 16% vat on insurance compensation
- Reclassification of Agricultural Products
- 15% excise Duty on Mobile money transactions
- 5% Excise Duty on Beauty Products
- 20 % Excise duty on loans from digital lenders
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As the Finance Bill 2023 heads to parliament today, Kenyans await the legislators’ decision on the bill.
The president was quoted in the media as saying that the voting on the bill in parliament should be open so that he can see which MPs vote against the financial bill, which has caused controversy recently.
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Additionally, the deputy president has stated that the government will not provide cash for development to lawmakers who vote against the proposed bill.
Although the bill has not been approved yet, it is still drawing the opinions of Kenyans and politicians who have supported and criticized it in equal measure.
