A House committee has announced a public sitting to gather views on the Finance Bill, 2024. This session, organized by the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning, will take place on June 10, 2024, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
The sittings will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This event offers a platform for stakeholders and the general public to present their opinions and suggestions regarding the proposed bill, contributing to the legislative process.
“The Clerk of the National Assembly hereby invites the public and stakeholders to submit their oral representation and written memoranda on the Bill to the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning during the said public hearing,” a notice by Clerk of the National Assembly S. Njoroge said.
The Finance Bill, 2024, sponsored by the chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning, proposes various revenue-raising measures.
The Bill was read for the first time on May 13 and subsequently referred to the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning for consideration and reporting back to the House. In line with Article 118(1)(b) of the Constitution, Parliament is mandated to facilitate public participation in its legislative activities. Additionally, Standing Order 127(3) of the National Assembly requires House committees to ensure public participation when considering Bills.
In response to this mandate, the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning has scheduled a public sitting on June 10, 2024, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to collect views on the Finance Bill, 2024.
Opposition leaders from the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition have strongly opposed the Finance Bill, 2024, labeling it as punitive and warning that it will impose unbearable taxes on citizens.
Led by Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, they have called on MPs to reject the Bill. On May 25, Kalonzo urged all MPs to vote against the Bill, asserting that its passage would exacerbate the country’s economic challenges.
The coalition has threatened nationwide mass demonstrations if the government does not withdraw the Bill. Former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa emphasized the critical role of MPs in protecting citizens from the adverse effects of the proposed taxes.
Cane farmers have also expressed opposition to the Bill, particularly against the proposed 16 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) on the transportation of sugarcane. They argue that this tax will hinder the recovery of the struggling sugar sector.
The upcoming public sitting is an opportunity for stakeholders, including the general public and various interest groups, to present their views and influence the legislative process regarding the Finance Bill, 2024.
