A lobby group, Free Kenya Movement (FKM) on Sunday May 21 revealed it had filed a petition to oppose Finance Bill 2023, that seeks to impose a raft of taxes on Kenyans.
In a press release, the lobby group stated that it had collected almost 7,000 signatures from Kenyans to support its petition to the National Assembly.
FKM noted that Kenyans were severely affected by the high food prices that affected commodities such as maize flour and cooking oil.
“The increase in the prices of food and basic commodities threaten the people of Kenya with hunger and starvation, Food Insecurity and economic instability,” read part of statement by Free Kenya movement.
The group comprises various stakeholders including civil society organizations, community-based organizations (CBOs), religious organizations, human rights defenders and ordinary Kenyans.
Free Kenya Movement added that it presented a petition to the National Assembly on Friday, May 19, and was still collecting signatures from Kenyans to support the petition through a portal on better taxation.
The group added that millions of Kenyans were living below the poverty line and additional taxes would only worsen the already deteriorating lifestyles of citizens.
“This is because it is only that way that the millions of Kenyans who are living below the poverty line can be rescued from poverty and grow their finance base,” the lobby group stated.
The lobby group argued that if the National Assembly abolishes taxation on basic and essential commodities, it will help Kenyans in their home-based budgets and grow the economy.
“That the National Assembly considers this petition urgently and initiates legislation in the taxation policies to remove taxation on basic and essential commodities captured in the list above to help bring down cost of living, and ensure better livelihoods,” the lobby group explained.
Azimio resistance
On the other hand, Azimio leader Raila Odinga on May 8, raised concerns over the proposed Finance Bill 2023 noting that it was a move by the Government, led by President William Ruto, to punish Kenyans.
Speaking to the press, the former Prime Minister argued that the bill went against promises the Head of State made earlier.
In his statement, Raila demanded that instead of subjecting all government employees to new mandatory taxation, the regime should instead reduce the size of the government, excess cabinet secretaries, principal secretaries, directorates, advisors, departments and cars that were gobbling up finances for no good value for money.
“Why would anyone who doesn’t need a house be compelled to pay 3% of their salary? We need a review of this,” stated Raila.
On a different occasion, President William Ruto's chief economic advisor David Ndii on May 7, told off Kenyans opposing the Finance Bill 2023.
Ndii defended the Finance Bill 2023, adding that it was drafted with expert analysis and consideration of external factors such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
“People with issues with Finance Bill, sit down, write an alternative budget that cushions external shocks without IMF, brings down deficit with no tax measures. And do the numbers,” Ndii stated.
Ndii’s remarks emerged few days after activists and lobby groups criticized the 3% housing levy fund, questioning the criteria for selecting beneficiaries of the same housing project.
Activists had argued that making the housing levy mandatory overburdens the workers who were already overburdened with new NSSF deductions, NHIF rates, and pay as you earn (PAYE).
