MPs to modify contentious Finance Bill provisions

After a five-day retreat in Naivasha, the committee led by Molo MP Kuria Kimani agreed to alter some of the contentious sections.
Though it did not specify which parts had been altered, the committee stated that all public comments and petitions had been addressed.
The 3% housing charge and 16% value-added tax on petroleum items have dominated discussions in recent weeks, with the opposition demanding for the Bill to be removed.
However, speaking to the press in Naivasha, Kuria expressed optimism that the Bill would be approved by the National Assembly.
He stated that they had reviewed all of the recommendations given to them and included them in the 137-page document.
“The committee has agreed on all of the clauses and made some changes based on the petitions we received from members of the public,” he stated.
However, the MP was tight-lipped on the housing levy and the VAT on fuel goods, stating that this information will be made public after the paper was tabled in the House. He claimed that the country’s finances were hampered by the debt burden.
He mentioned that the committee had produced recommendations that would result in the state borrowing less.
“We are currently paying a debt of Ksh958 billion, and for every Ksh10, Ksh6.7 goes towards servicing our debts, and it is past time that this was changed,” he said.
He slammed individuals who were vilifying the entire report because of two faults, noting that the measure had many benefits but the debate had taken a political turn.
Some of the incentives in the measure, according to Kuria, are waivers on agricultural inputs, immunizations, and electric automobiles and motorcycles.
“Because of the incentives in this bill, Kenya will soon become the leading producer of vaccines,” he said.
He urged for sobriety in Parliament, noting that MPs had the authority to change the Bill once it was introduced.
“Every clause in this Bill has an economic impact on the country, and we cannot throw it out entirely because of two contentious sections,” he stated.
During a fundraiser at Full Gospel Church in Kampi ya Moto in Nakuru, Bahati MP Irene Njoki drummed up support for the Finance Bill. The Jubilee MP believes the housing charge is worthwhile and will vote in favor of the Bill.
Tiaty MP William Kamket also expressed his support for the government, claiming that some people are still in shock following President William Ruto’s election victory. Gilgil MP Martha Wangari stated that they will vote based on what will benefit the country and its people.
Kibet Komingoi, MP for Bureti, urged residents to have faith in their leaders, saying they would not abandon them in the dark. The lies, according to Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, are spread by people who want the government to fail.