Kenyans take to the streets over draconian taxes

Kenyans have taken to the streets countrywide to protest over several tax hike proposals even as members of parliament continue to debate on the Finance Bill 2024. The protests in Kenya have spread from the capital to various parts of the country, as taxpayers continue to oppose President William Ruto’s plan to finance his Sh3.9 trillion Budget. The Finance Bill was introduced in the Parliament of Kenya on May 13th and has since sparked a wave of demonstrations across the nation. The citizens have varied opinions regarding the bill, which has caused a divide in the country. The protests, which began earlier in the week, have escalated as the Parliament engages in heated discussions surrounding the proposed tax increases. The Finance Bill 2024 has faced criticism for exacerbating the tax burden on Kenyan citizens, leading to a new generation of protesters taking to the streets. Unlike previous protests that were often tied to election outcomes, this new wave of demonstrations is spearheaded by Generation Z individuals who are advocating for their ideologies and aspirations. The demonstrations signal a growing discontent among the youth demographic in Kenya, serving as a wakeup call for the government. The protesters are not aligned with any specific political party but are united in their demand for a fair tax system and better opportunities for the country's youth. The Finance Committee has already presented controversial amendments related to taxes on essential goods like bread, motor vehicles, and digital services. These proposed taxes have been met with resistance from various sectors of society, including digital content creators and social media influencers who rely on online platforms for income. The upcoming vote on the Finance Bill will determine whether these contentious tax measures will be implemented. Regardless of the outcome, the focus remains on the effective implementation of these taxes for the benefit of all Kenyans. CNBC Africa's Flora Limukii emphasized that the ultimate goal is to ensure that the taxes, if imposed, contribute positively to the country's economy and address the needs of both formal and informal sectors. As the protests in Nairobi and other cities draw to a close, the question of who will prevail in this debate becomes secondary to the more significant issue of whether the government can effectively implement these tax policies to benefit the nation. The demonstrations serve as a reminder that public engagement and dialogue are crucial in shaping policies that impact the lives of all citizens.