Gachagua Responds to Mt Kenya's Outcry Against Finance Act 2024

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has taken proactive steps to address the mounting concerns and dissatisfaction among the people of the Mount Kenya region regarding certain unpopular policies introduced by the Kenya Kwanza government.

During a meeting with agricultural industry representatives in Karen, Gachagua announced that the contentious Finance Act of 2024 will undergo amendments within the next three months to incorporate feedback from various stakeholders. One of the primary concerns being addressed is the widespread opposition to the proposed Farm Produce Tax, which has faced significant resistance in the Mount Kenya region. Acknowledging the challenges posed by the Finance Act, the Deputy President emphasizes the need to review certain controversial provisions.

In a bid to address these issues, a task force will be established within the agriculture industry to facilitate thorough discussions on contentious matters before any amendments are made to the existing legislation. This task force will comprise farmers, aggregators, and officials from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). Their primary objective is to present a comprehensive report on the regulatory and legal concerns raised by farmers, which should be taken into consideration during the amendment process.

The proposed Farm Produce Tax has been met with strong opposition in the Mount Kenya region, which heavily relies on agriculture as a primary economic activity. Political leaders from the region, led by former Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, have vehemently criticized the tax, deeming it regressive, uninformed, and contradictory to the UDA government's campaign promises. Consequently, these leaders have demanded that the government reevaluate and reconsider the policy.

In recognition of the widespread discontent, Gachagua has taken immediate action by initiating the establishment of the task force, which will closely examine the proposed Farm Produce Tax and formulate recommendations before any changes are made to the legislation. This collaborative approach aims to address the concerns raised by the agricultural community and ensure that their voices are heard and incorporated into the policymaking process.