President William Ruto's government has rescinded the decision to impose a tax on both locally and internationally manufactured diapers and sanitary towels.
National Assembly Finance Committee Chair Kuria Kimani said Tuesday that the newly proposed eco levy will only apply to imported finished products.
"The eco levy will only be chargeable to imported finished products," Kimani stated.
He spoke during the Kenya Kwanza Parliamentary Group press briefing at State House, Nairobi.
He said that locally manufactured items such as diapers and sanitary towels, will be exempted from the tax proposal.
"All locally manufactured items and especially diapers and sanitary towels will not be subject to eco levy," he added.
This clarification aims to alleviate fears that the eco levy would significantly increase the cost of essential goods for Kenyan consumers.
Nominated Senator and end period shaming activist Gloria Orwoba had also requested the committee to Consider the removal of the Eco Levy fee for local manufacturers of Pads and Diapers
Kigumo MP Joseph Munyoro also expressed worries about how young mothers were to survive if the cost would have increased.
“What do young mothers do now that you want to impose a levy on diapers? Are you asking them to go back to nappies?” Kigumo MP Joseph Munyoro said.
The announcement by Kimani came amidst ongoing protests in Nairobi, where demonstrators have taken to the streets to oppose various aspects of the Finance Bill.
The protests, which led to several arrests Tuesday morning, highlighted the contentious nature of the proposed legislation.
The Parliament will be debating the Finance Bill this Tuesday.