Nairobi, Kenya – Massive protests erupted across Kenya as citizens took to the streets to oppose the new Finance Bill, which proposes significant tax hikes. The widespread demonstrations reflect deep public discontent and economic anxiety in the East African nation.
The Finance Bill, introduced by President William Ruto’s administration, aims to increase revenue by raising taxes on various goods and services, including fuel, housing, and digital content. The government argues that the tax hikes are necessary to address budget deficits and fund essential services and infrastructure projects.
However, many Kenyans see the bill as a heavy burden on an already struggling population. “These tax increases are too much. We are already facing high living costs, and this will make things worse,” said John Mwangi, a protester in Nairobi.
The most contentious elements of the bill include a proposed 16% value-added tax (VAT) on petroleum products, higher levies on mobile money transactions, and new taxes on housing. Critics argue that these measures will disproportionately affect low- and middle-income households, exacerbating poverty and inequality.
Opposition leaders have rallied behind the protesters, calling for the bill to be withdrawn. Raila Odinga, a prominent opposition figure, condemned the proposed taxes as “punitive and unjust.” He urged the government to explore alternative revenue sources and reduce wasteful spending.
Human rights organizations and civil society groups have also voiced their concerns, warning that the tax hikes could lead to increased hardship and social unrest. Amnesty International has called on the Kenyan government to consider the impact on vulnerable populations and ensure that any tax reforms are fair and equitable.
In response to the growing unrest, President Ruto addressed the nation, defending the bill as a tough but necessary step to stabilize the economy. He acknowledged the public’s concerns and promised measures to cushion the most affected groups. “We understand the pain these measures may cause, but they are essential for our economic recovery and long-term growth,” Ruto said.
Despite these assurances, the protests have continued, with demonstrations spreading to major cities such as Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret. Clashes between protesters and police have been reported, with authorities using tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds. Several injuries and arrests have occurred, further fueling public anger.
The ongoing protests highlight the broader economic challenges facing Kenya, including high unemployment, inflation, and public debt. Many Kenyans are frustrated by what they see as the government’s failure to address these issues effectively. “We are struggling to survive, and the government is not listening to us,” said Mary Atieno, a small business owner in Kisumu.
The Finance Bill is set to be debated in parliament, where its passage is uncertain due to the widespread opposition. Lawmakers are under intense pressure from their constituents to reject the bill or seek significant amendments. The outcome of this debate will be crucial for the Ruto administration and could determine the future direction of Kenya’s economic policy.
As the nation awaits the parliamentary decision, there is hope among many Kenyans that their voices will be heard and that a more balanced and fair approach to taxation will be adopted. The situation remains tense, but there is a collective desire for dialogue and constructive solutions to the country’s economic challenges.
Source: apnews.com
