National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has officially referred President William Ruto’s Memorandum of Referral concerning the Finance Bill 2024/25 to Parliament’s Departmental Committee on Finance and Planning. This move initiates the process to withdraw the controversial bill, following the President’s recommendations.
With Parliament currently on recess until Tuesday, July 23, 2024, there has been considerable speculation about the next steps for the retraction of the Finance Bill. Speaker Wetangula has clarified that the House will not be immediately reconvened to discuss President Ruto’s memorandum. Instead, the established legislative procedures will be followed to address the bill’s rejection and its implications for the fiscal year 2024/25.
President Ruto’s decision to refer the Finance Bill back to Parliament stems from widespread opposition and controversy surrounding its provisions. The bill, which aimed to introduce new tax measures and adjustments, faced criticism from various stakeholders, including businesses, consumer groups, and opposition parties, who argued that it would impose undue financial burdens on citizens.
In his memorandum, President Ruto outlined specific recommendations for the Finance Bill’s withdrawal, highlighting the need for a more balanced approach to fiscal policy. By referring the bill to the Departmental Committee on Finance and Planning, the President seeks to ensure that any future fiscal measures are carefully scrutinized and aligned with the broader economic interests of the country.
Speaker Wetangula’s clarification that Parliament will not be immediately recalled is grounded in the procedural norms governing legislative actions during recess periods. According to parliamentary rules, significant legislative changes, such as the withdrawal of a finance bill, require thorough committee review and consultation.
The Departmental Committee on Finance and Planning will now take the lead in examining the President’s recommendations and drafting a report on the proposed withdrawal. This report will be presented to the House when Parliament reconvenes on July 23, 2024. The committee’s deliberations will be crucial in shaping the final decision on the Finance Bill and ensuring that any new fiscal proposals are viable and equitable.
The rejection of the Finance Bill 2024 has significant implications for the fiscal year 2024/25. Without the new tax measures and adjustments proposed in the bill, the government will need to reassess its revenue projections and budgetary allocations. This situation necessitates careful fiscal planning to avoid potential shortfalls and ensure that essential public services and development projects are adequately funded.
Moreover, the withdrawal of the Finance Bill underscores the importance of stakeholder engagement and transparent policy-making in addressing fiscal challenges. By involving various interest groups and incorporating their feedback, the government can formulate policies that are not only effective but also broadly supported.
