Some of the skeletons of the Finance Bill 2024 might resurface in a new amendment being prepared by National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi.
Speaking during an interview with Citizen TV on Sunday, Mbadi confirmed that their were talks surrounding 53 amendments but after discussions, the number was reduced to 49.
Among the suggested amendments is the barring of importation of the contentious Eco levy, which the government insists it must pass to improve the economy of the country.
"They brought about 53 suggested amendments. These 53 have now been reduced to about 49," Mbadi explained.
He however noted that contentious products like sanitary pads will be left out.
"Eco levy has some meanings; we will just make sure that they are levied on those items which pollute the environment,” he further elaborated.
“Issues that are contentious like sanitary pads, those we will leave out."
Earlier multi-national corporations were strongly opposed to the introduction of 10 percent to all imported goods citing it would render their operations less sustainable.
At the time, the companies threatened to leave the country. Following the rejection of the Finance Bill 2024, the Government was left in a dilemma after the 2023 Finance Bill was also declared unconstitutional.
Two days after declining the Finance Bill of 2024, President Ruto signed the Appropriation Bill 2024 to tide over the government as it seeks funds to finance its development agenda.
In these amendments, the Government aims to collect Ksh150 billion which will pay teachers, finance students joining universities as well as doctors and finance development without taking loans.
President William Ruto reduced his budget by Ksh174 billion and announced that his administration was considering taking a loan of Ksh169 to cover for the gaps in the in the budget.
