Kenya African National Union (KANU) National Chairman Gideon Moi has strongly criticized the Kenya Kwanza government’s tax proposals as outlined in the Finance Bill 2024, calling them detrimental to the nation’s economy and burdensome to its citizens.
In a statement released today, Moi expressed his concerns over the proposed amendments to certain clauses within the bill, highlighting that while some highly unpopular taxation measures have been cancelled out, they have been replaced by other equally punitive proposals. The former Baringo senator emphasized that these measures would place an undue burden on taxpayers.
“The proposed tax amendments are simply a reshuffling of burdensome measures that do not alleviate the pressure on Kenyans but instead shift it around,” Moi remarked. “This approach is not a solution but a temporary fix that fails to address the underlying issues.”
Moi urged Members of Parliament to oppose the controversial bill in its entirety as it is set to be tabled before parliament for debate. He argued that passing the bill would exacerbate the financial strain on the Kenyan populace.
“Economic experts have consistently indicated that our nation is grappling with issues related to expenditure, not revenue,” Moi stated. “Increasing taxes as a means to bridge the budget deficit is not only unnecessary but also unfair to the hardworking citizens of Kenya. Therefore, the National Assembly must reject the Finance Bill, 2024, in its entirety.”
The KANU chairman pointed out that the Kenya Kwanza Administration should shift its focus towards industrialization as a pathway to economic prosperity. He argued that industrialization would lead to job creation, increased production, and ultimately a broader tax base, rather than imposing additional taxes on an already strained populace.
“To achieve sustainable economic growth, we must prioritize industrialization,” Moi urged. “Implementing tax measures that overburden Kenyans is not a progressive way to expand the tax base. Instead, fostering an environment that encourages industrial growth will lead to a more prosperous economy.”
Moi’s remarks have added to the growing criticism of the Finance Bill 2024, with various stakeholders expressing concerns over its potential impact on the economy and the well-being of Kenyan citizens. As the bill awaits parliamentary debate, the opposition from prominent figures like Moi signifies the contentious road ahead for the government’s proposed fiscal policies.
In conclusion, the call to reject the Finance Bill 2024 by influential leaders such as Gideon Moi underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive review of the country’s economic strategies. The emphasis on industrialization and prudent expenditure management presents an alternative path that could lead to sustainable growth and development for Kenya.
