Raila Says Finance Bill 2023, is a Punishment to Middle-Class Kenyans

Azimio boss Raila Odinga speaking on Tuesday slammed Ruto's government for their fronted Finance Bill 2023. 

The opposition leader said that the Finance Bill will have a harsh impact on middle-class Kenyans. He communicated that Kenyans should dispute the proposed amendments targeting Income Tax Act, Value Added Tax, Tax Procedures Act and Miscellaneous Fees and Levies Tax. Mr Odinga said that the amendments will deal a blow to middle-class people.

"The Bill prepared by Kenya Kwanza government is a punishment that Kenyans cannot and should not entertain, the Bill proposes amendments for various tax statutes including Income Tax Act, Value Added Tax, Tax Procedures Act and Miscellaneous Fees and Levies Tax among other laws," he said. 

The government on the other hand gears the amendments towards protecting jobs, promoting local businesses, and boosting manufacturing. In the Bill, the government intends to promote local businesses by imposing extra levies on imported products such as steel, paper and plastics. The Bill also cushions the Jua Kali sector by imposing excise duty for imported furniture coming into the country from outside East Africa. 

The Bill comes under heavy censure as Kenyans insist that it go through public participation. On Sunday, President William Ruto defended his 8-month stint saying that Kenyans are not overtaxed. He expressed his government's effort in attaining economic stability by avoiding bankruptcy and limiting the country's debt appetite.