Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda has stated that most of the youths protesting against the Finance Bill 2024 have not read it. Jhanda urged young people to take the time to read and understand the Bill before deciding to protest.
He suggested that if, after understanding the Bill, they still believe it is not beneficial for the country, they can then take to the streets.
“I can tell you for a fact today that 95 per cent of the young people who are in the streets protesting have not read the Finance Bill, 2024. I am telling them as a young leader, go read and understand ukiona mambo iko hivi mkuje maandamano,” he said.
The legislator emphasized that the Finance Bill 2024 contains many beneficial provisions and urged young people to be patient. He acknowledged that one of the contentious issues is the imposition of an eco-levy tax on imported sanitary towels and other products.
Jhanda explained that this measure is part of the Kenya Kwanza government’s strategy to encourage local manufacturing, which is expected to create employment opportunities.
“About sanitary towels, what the government is saying is let’s support local companies. Why do we have to create jobs for people from China, and India when we can manufacture locally and our people will get the best and cheaply.”
MP Zaheer Jhanda insisted that the Finance Bill 2024 is beneficial for the country and includes numerous development projects, urging full support for the President. His remarks come amidst protests by Kenyan youths, particularly Gen Zs, who have labeled the Bill as punitive.
Last week, these youths staged nationwide protests calling for the rejection of the Bill due to its punitive taxes.
The protests began in Nairobi on Tuesday and continued in Mombasa on Wednesday. By Thursday, protests had spread to various parts of the country, including Kisii, Kisumu, Nakuru, Nyeri, and Nanyuki. Despite the protests, 204 Members of Parliament voted in favor of the Bill, while 105 voted against it. With the majority vote, the Bill will now move to the Committee of the Whole House for amendments starting Tuesday next week.
