Kenyans Up in Arms Over Proposed Finance Bill 2024

The proposed Finance Bill, 2024, aimed at amending tax laws and revenue-raising measures has ignited a firestorm of public discontent in Kenya.

As the nation's legislators prepare to deliberate the bill's fate, a resounding chorus of disapproval has erupted, with citizens voicing their concerns through various channels, including social media campaigns like #RejectFinanceBill2024. At the heart of the controversy lie several contentious provisions that have drawn widespread criticism. The introduction of a 2.5% tax on the value of motor vehicles, with a minimum threshold of Sh 5,000 and a maximum cap of Sh 100,000, has raised concerns about the potential burden on car owners.

Similarly, the proposed revisions to per diem taxation, which hinge on employers having approved policies and peg the maximum daily allowance at 5% of employees' gross monthly salaries, have sparked fears of reduced take-home pay for workers. The bill's proposal to raise the pension contribution limit from Sh 20,000 to Sh 30,000 per month has received a mixed response, with some viewing it positively while others worry about its implications for disposable income. Furthermore, the repeal of the Digital Services Tax (DST) and the introduction of a significant economic presence tax with an effective rate of 6% have faced resistance from those concerned about the potential impact on digital transactions.

Perhaps the most contentious aspect of the bill is the proposed imposition of a 16% Value Added Tax (VAT) on bread, a staple food item previously zero-rated. Citizens argue that this move will directly impact their daily lives and household budgets, exacerbating the already challenging economic conditions faced by many households. While the bill introduces an eco levy, signalling the government's commitment to environmental conservation, its specifics and potential impact remain subjects of intense scrutiny. Additionally, the proposed increase in the VAT registration threshold from KES 5,000,000 to KES 8,000,000, the exemption of the transfer of business as a going concern from VAT, and the subjection of certain financial services to VAT have further fueled the public debate.

Amidst the growing discontent, Majority Chief Whip Silvanus Osoro acknowledges receiving over 3,000 messages from concerned Kenyans. However, he maintains that most parliamentarians will not outrightly reject the bill but will instead scrutinize contentious clauses, such as the bread tax. As the bill heads for debate in the National Assembly, lawmakers find themselves at a crossroads, tasked with balancing the need to fund government operations and address the genuine concerns of their constituents.