A House committee will hold a public sitting on June 10, 2024, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre to collect views on the Finance Bill, 2024.
The Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning will hold the sittings between 9.30 am to 5 p.m.
“The Clerk of the National Assembly hereby invites the public and stakeholders to submit their oral representation and written memoranda on the Bill to the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning during the said public hearing,” a notice by Clerk of the National Assembly S. Njoroge said.
The Finance Bill, 2024 is sponsored by the chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning and it contains proposals relating to revenue-raising measures.
The Bill was read the First Time on May 13 and thereafter committed to Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning for consideration and reporting to the House.
Article 118(1) (b) of the Constitution requires Parliament to facilitate public participation and involvement in the legislative and other business of the House and its committees.
Standing Order 127(3) of the National Assembly requires House committees to consider Bills to facilitate public participation.
Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party leaders have asked MPs to reject the Finance Bill 2024 saying it is punitive and contains taxes that will make life unbearable.
Led by Wiper party boss Kalonzo Musyoka, the leaders warned the government to withdraw the Bill or face nationwide mass demonstrations against the new law.
“All our MPs, you have been instructed to vote No...This is the time to stand with your people,” Kalonzo said on May 25.
Azimio said the Finance Bill 2024, if allowed to sail through, will worsen the already bad economic situation in the country.
“We have been telling Ruto awachane na taxes kwa Wakenya,” Kalonzo stated.
Former Defence CS Eugene Wamalwa added: “We are telling our MPs you are the last line of defence for this poor Kenyans...please vote No!”
Cane farmers have opposed the introduction of 16 per cent VAT on the transportation of sugarcane.
They argue that the new tax will slow down the recovery of the sector which has been struggling over the years.
