- The Finance Bill 2023 has come under sharp criticism from leaders and Kenyans.
- In the Finance Bill, the Housing Fund proposes a three per cent mandatory levy from employees.
Image: DPCS
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged Kenyans who are unemployed not to listen to those who try to mislead them on Finance Bill 2023.
Speaking on Friday, the DP said the government will not tax them because they don't have jobs.
He said the need for Housing Fund to eradicate slums is 30 per cent and 70 per cent is to create employment.
"We are telling unemployed Kenyans that they should not bother about those who are employed and misleading them to oppose the Finance Bill because you will not be taxed since you don't have a job," he said.
"The day you will be employed is when you will be taxed but for now, allow us to create employment so that you get a job and get taxed."
Gachagua said Kenya must collect money to build roads and provide water.
"People from across the country want services to be provided. The money to finance all these services must be collected from somewhere that is why we have the Finance Bill. But leaders are making noise. It is only that we have not taken time to tell Kenyans what is happening," he said.
The Finance Bill 2023 has come under sharp criticism from leaders and Kenyans.
In the Finance Bill, the Housing Fund proposes a three per cent mandatory levy from employees.
The Bill also wants to impose a 15 per cent tax on creative content.
Further, if passed, the Bill will push up the cost of fuel by doubling Value Added Tax on petroleum to 16 per cent from the current 8 per cent.
This could trigger a hike in commodity prices amid the soaring cost of living that is burdening Kenyans.
There is also a proposed 10 per cent Excise Duty on fish imports.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga said they will regroup and overrun President William Ruto if he imposes the Finance Bill on Kenyans.
He said the Opposition will not allow Ruto's threats to undermine Kenya's democracy.
"We have agreed with our MPs on what to do: vote against any tax rises," he said.
"Should Ruto overrun the National Assembly, we will regroup and overrun him in the wider National Assembly of the whole people of Kenya."
Raila urged Kenyans to reject the excess taxation to finance what he termed as wasteful expenditure.
He said the excessive taxation is stifling growth and as such, Ruto should stop adding more burden to Kenyans.