Government Bows to Pressure on new Taxes, Agrees to Consult

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Monday, May 29, 2023 –Government side has started changing tune on the proposed Finance Bill 2023 following public outcry on new levies.

For instance, National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro, on Monday, May 29, was heard recognizing the fact that there are still grey areas in the Bill which should be corrected especially surrounding the proposed housing levy.

While trying to withdraw his earlier firm stand which he had indicated that no comma will be touched in the Bill, MP Osoro now has told Citizen Tv that public views will now be taken into consideration.

“It is true that I said the bill would be passed without amendments. From where I sit as a majority whip, my work is to push for the business of the house.

“When I speak in the National Assembly, I speak on behalf of the government. The Housing Bill is a well thought idea but we are still collecting views from all stakeholders,” he noted

He went ahead to clarify that the 3 percent housing levy together with other newly-proposed taxes will be discussed with the public before their final implementation.

“The bill is not cast in stone and so we will amend it based on the proposals raised by stakeholders.

“That is why there is a process of public participation. We will sit down and review and amend where possible,” he assured Kenyans.

Osoro and fellow colleagues in the United Democratic Alliance UDA Party have been threatening to force the document to pass in Parliament whether there are still questions or not.

In a barrage of social media posts, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has been warning the opposition that the Finance Bill will not be reviewed by anyone.

“The house levy fund of 3% shall stay to ensure affordable housing to all Kenyans plus hustlers. It is not a tax but a saving. The Finance Bill 2023 shall pass as is in the Parliament to allow government have enough resources for service provision and repayment of public debt,” he tweeted on May 11.

And speaking during a thanksgiving ceremony in Busia County on Sunday May 28, their boss President Ruto stated that the bill was aimed at bridging the gap between the poor and the rich.

He asked the rich to bear with him on the matter that he believes seeks to also elevate the status of the poor in the society.