Despite public outcry, Kenya’s Parliament approves a controversial finance bill

Despite widespread objections, Kenya’s parliament enacted Finance Bill 2024, which has caused a great deal of unhappiness among the populace due to the bill’s economic effects.

The Finance Bill 2024, which aims to raise KSh 346 billion to pay off the national debt and finance development projects, was approved by the Kenyan parliament by a vote.

Despite substantial resistance from voters concerned about the measure’s potential effects on the economy, the bill was enacted with 204 MPs voting in favor and 115 against.

The bill will now move on to the third reading and committee stage before being forwarded to President William Ruto for approval.

Since its presentation in May, the Finance Bill 2024 has caused controversy. Proposed tax increases have triggered protests around the country, particularly in Nairobi and Eldoret, the hometown of President Ruto. Adolescent Kenyans had led the protests, protesting the growing expense of life.

The administration removed certain controversial measures, such as a 16% tax on bread and a 2.5% yearly tax on cars, in reaction to the outcry.

Nonetheless, the public persisted in demanding that the law be rejected, leading to mainly nonviolent demonstrations that were fueled by social media campaigns with the hashtags #OccupyParliament and #RejectFinanceBill2024.

Young professionals from other fields, such as doctors and lawyers, have joined the protests, demonstrating the widespread support for the campaign and the anger that the bill is causing across the country.