President William Ruto on Monday, June 26, officially signed into law the Finance Bill 2023 following its approval by the National Assembly on Wednesday, June 21.
In a brief ceremony held at State House, the signing of the Bill was witnessed by other Senior government officials including National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah who was its chief campaigner at the August House.
Other leaders who were present at the ceremony included Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
The Head of State also approved the Supplementary Appropriations (No. 2) Bill, 2023 warranting the additional spending of Ksh22.9 Billion by the National Government from the Consolidated Fund.
"This results in the reduction of overall expenditure by Ksh25.5 Billion compared to the revised total National Government expenditure approved in the Supplementary Appropriations (No. 1), Act 2023.
"The reduction comprises an increase in recurrent amounting to Ksh9.5 Billion and rationalisation of development spending by Ksh35 Billion," read part of a report.
Attorney General Justice Muturi, Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung'u and his Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo also witnessed the signing of the two bills.
Finance Bill Contest
The Finance Bill was a hotly contested topic countrywide, with both the government and the opposition expressing strong views about it.
The bill was passed despite Azimio's opposition to the bill and threats to return to the streets.
At the National Assembly, Ichung'wah was instrumental in ensuring that the Bill was passed despite strong opposition from the opposition MPs.
In close coordination, Ichung'wah worked with Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro to rally Kenya Kwanza MPs to overwhelmingly vote for the Bill.
Similarly, the Bill was achieved after the National Assembly's Budget and Appropriations Committee chaired by Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu) worked with the chairman of the Finance and National Planning Committee, Kuria Kimani (Molo), to review and amend the budget proposed by Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung'u.
Opposition's Walkout
On Thursday, June 15, CS Njuguna's speech was interrupted when the opposition Azimio la Umoja One Kenya-allied Members of Parliament staged a walkout.
The controversial Budget also caused an uproar among members of the public due to the introduction of new taxes, especially the 1.5 per cent Housing Levy compelling Azimio la Umoja to return to the streets.
The coalition accused the government of failing to address concerns that ordinary Kenyans raised about the budget.
Azimio la Umoja criticised the government for increasing taxes on essential goods and services and not doing enough to address the high cost of living.
The coalition stated that they will lead a public engagement exercise on Tuesday, June 27, at Kamukunji Grounds in Nairobi.
