Kenya’s President William Ruto has withdrawn his own Finance Bill following widespread protests against what many citizens have termed as over-taxation. This significant decision comes after a sustained period of public dissent and nationwide demonstrations that saw Kenyans storm their parliament as well as set the Ugandan Embassy in Kenya ablaze.
The proposed Finance Bill faced intense backlash from the public, who voiced their concerns over the increasing tax burden. The bill, which was intended to introduce a range of new taxes and increase existing ones, sparked fears among Kenyans of a higher cost of living and economic strain.
Over the past few days, mainly the generation Z citizens came together to protest against the bill. The protests were marked by large crowds in major cities, with demonstrators carrying placards and chanting slogans demanding economic relief and fair taxation policies.
President Ruto, acknowledging the public sentiment, made a formal announcement retracting the bill. “Members of the public insist on the need for us to make more concessions. The people have spoken,” Ruto stated, underscoring his administration’s recognition of the need to heed public opinion and make necessary adjustments.
This decision marks a notable shift in the government’s stance, reflecting a willingness to engage with the populace and address their concerns directly. The move has been widely welcomed as a positive step towards more inclusive governance and policy-making.
Kenya has been grappling with economic challenges, including rising inflation and unemployment rates. The Finance Bill was initially introduced as part of the government’s strategy to increase revenue and manage the country’s fiscal deficit. However, the proposed measures were seen as too harsh by many, especially in the current economic climate where many citizens are struggling to make ends meet.
However, though the government has revised its population; at least 15 people have lost their lives in the protests and many more injured.