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Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba has called for increased vigilance even after National Assembly Chair of Finance and Planning Committee Chairman Kimani Kuria introduced changes to the Finance Bill 2024.

In a statement on her X, Wamuchomba said there was a need to enhance vigilance during the bill’s debate and voting to ensure the interests of the public were protected.

“If really he believed in the content of what he said in Statehouse, and going by the input of Wenye nchi during public participation, he (MP Kimani Kuria) should have withdrawn the proposal and table a fresh for our discussion,” Wamuchomba stated.

Wamuchomba, who has been consistent with her opposition to the Finance Bill 2024, said the fact that the state could introduce certain proposals and drop them after backlash from the public was reason enough for vigilance.

“The sudden change of tacts to have all contemptuous taxes removed or dropped calls for vigilance,” the Githunguri MP added, “It’s not over yet. Don’t down your guard; nothing has changed yet till the final vote.”

Controversial taxes dropped

After Tuesday, June 18, 2024, the Parliamentary Group meeting hosted by President William Ruto, Kimani Kuria read a raft of changes to the controversial Finance Bill 2024.

The following changes were made to the bill:

16 per cent VAT on bread has been removed and the VAT on the transportation of sugar has also been removed.

VAT on financial services and foreign exchange transactions has also been removed.

Kuria Kimani further disclosed that there will be no increase in mobile money transfers.

The contentious issue of 2.5 per cent Motor Vehicle Tax that had been proposed has also been removed as well as the excise duty on vegetable oil.

“It is crucial to point out that Eco Levy is being levied on imported finished products. Locally manufactured products will, therefore, not attract the Eco Levy. Locally assembly and manufacturing will help boost Kenya’s manufacturing capacity, create jobs, and save foreign exchange,” the Molo MP stated.

Finance Bill debate

The bill is set to be heard and discussed in Parliament before a vote is taken.

On Tuesday, June 18, 2024, legislators unanimously adopted the procedural motion to hold a morning sitting on Thursday, June 20, 2024, commencing at 9.30 am in a bid to extend the debating time for the proposed Finance Bill.

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