Nairobi, June 18, 2024 – Thousands of Kenyans took to the streets of Nairobi yesterday to protest the recently implemented Finance Bill for the 2022/2023 fiscal year, which has been widely criticized for imposing heavy taxes on essential commodities, including bread and motor vehicles. The demonstration, which saw participation from a broad coalition of activists, opposition politicians, and human rights groups, underscored the growing discontent among citizens over the government’s fiscal policies.
The protest was marked by a massive turnout, with demonstrators carrying placards and chanting slogans demanding the withdrawal of the Finance Bill. The protesters congregated at Uhuru Park before marching towards the Parliament buildings, where they were met by a heavy police presence.
Activist Boniface Mwangi, a prominent figure in Kenya’s social justice movement, was at the forefront of the protests. Addressing the crowd, Mwangi condemned the government’s taxation policies, labeling them as “punitive and inconsiderate” towards the common mwananchi (citizen). “This bill is a direct attack on the livelihoods of ordinary Kenyans,” Mwangi said. “We cannot stand by while our government makes life unaffordable for the poor.”
Opposition MPs, including the vocal Babu Owino, also played a significant role in the protests. Owino, known for his fiery rhetoric, lambasted the government for what he described as its failure to prioritize the needs of the people. He retaliated that Finance Bill is a blatant display of the government’s disconnect from the realities faced by Kenyans.
Human rights groups also lent their voices to the cause, highlighting the adverse impact of the new taxes on vulnerable populations. The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) issued a statement calling for the government to reconsider its fiscal policies and prioritize social welfare. “The imposition of heavy taxes on basic commodities is a violation of the economic rights of Kenyans. The government must explore alternative revenue measures that do not disproportionately burden the poor,” the statement read.
In response to the mounting pressure, the government announced late yesterday that it would propose to scrap some of the proposed policies such as the tax on bread and the motor vehicle levy. This move was seen as a partial concession to the protesters’ demands. However, many Kenyans remain dissatisfied, insisting that the entire Finance Bill should be done away with.
Jane Wanjiru, a single mother of three who participated in the protest, expressed her frustration. “Removing the tax on bread and cars is not enough. The cost of living is still too high. We need the government to listen to us and remove all these unfair taxes,” she said.
Economists have also weighed in on the issue, warning that the high taxation could stifle economic growth and worsen poverty levels. While the government’s intent to increase revenue is understandable, the approach needs to be balanced to avoid adverse socio-economic consequences. A comprehensive review of the bill is necessary.
The Finance Bill has been a contentious issue since its introduction, with critics arguing that it disproportionately affects low-income earners. Among other provisions, the bill includes increased taxes on fuel, mobile money transactions, and other essential goods and services.
As the protests continue, it remains to be seen how the government will navigate the growing opposition to its fiscal policies. For now, the streets of Nairobi resonate with the voices of Kenyans demanding a fairer and more equitable approach to taxation. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the government will heed the call for a more comprehensive review of the Finance Bill or whether the standoff will persist.
