Government says contentious proposals in Finance Bill 2024 have been dropped

The ruling Kenya Kwanza Alliance on Tuesday confirmed that a majority of the contentious issues in the Finance Bill 2024 have been withdrawn.

Addressing the nation shortly before the Bill in tabled in the national assembly in the afternoon, the Kenya Kwanza Parliamentary Group chaired by President William Ruto disclosed that they had listened to concerns raised by Kenyans on the new tax proposals.

“We take this opportunity to tell the country that we have listened to you. We have heard you and the committee has briefed the Parliamentary Group on the proposed changes that capture many of the issues that were raised by stakeholders during public participation, ansd we have agreed on all with the Executive under the able leadership of the President,” Kimani Ichung’wah, National Assembly Majority Laeder said

Among other changes, the ruling party announced that 16 percent VAT on bread has been removed and the VAT on the transportation of sugar has also been removed. At the same time, the party confirmed that VAT on financial services and foreign exchange transactions has also been removed.

National Assembly Finance Committee Chairperson Kuria Kimani further disclosed that there will be no increase on mobile money transfers. He said the contentious issue of 2.5 percent Motor Vehicle Tax that had been proposed has also been removed as well as the excise duty on vegetable oil.

“It is crucial to point out that Eco Levy is being levied on imported finished products. Locally manufactured products will, therefore, not attract the Eco Levy. Locally assembly and manufacturing will help boost Kenya’s manufacturing capacity, create jobs, and save foreign exchange,” added Kuria Kimani

According to Kimani, “Locally manufactured products, including sanitary towels, diapers, phones, computers, tyres, and motorcycles, will not attract the Eco Levy,”

More to follow…