Speaker Wetang’ula gives next course of action after Finance Bill sails through Second Reading
By Lutta Njomo, June 20, 2024
Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula has given direction on the next course of action after the Finance Bill 2024 sailed through the Second Reading.
Wetang’ula announced that the National Assembly Clerks would now process proposed amendments submitted by the Members of Parliament (MPs).
The Committee of the Whole House will consider the amendments, Wetang’ula further clarified. At the Committee of the Whole House, the proposed amendments to the Bill will be considered and a vote is expected to be taken on each of the proposals.
According to the Speaker, the MPs will convene on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, where, deliberations on the amendments will start.
“The matter of the Finance Bill is officially over, we wait for the Committee of the Whole House. Those who have amendments to file, you know the deadline was 1 o’clock (Thursday, June 20, 2024),” Wetang’ula announced.
“The clerk and his team will process the amendments and as we were told the House will sit on Tuesday 25, 2024, when we will proceed on the same matter,” he further explained.
Voting results
Despite a section of opposition leaders staging a spirited debate in a bid to reject the Finance Bill 2024, it was approved for Second Reading.
According to the results read out by Speaker Wetang’ula, 204 MPs voted in support of the Bill while 115 voted against.
Members of the National Assembly approve the Second Reading of the Finance Bill, 2024.#FinanceBill2024 pic.twitter.com/TqCGDfWX0t
— K24 TV (@K24Tv) June 20, 2024
What voting means
Those opposed to the Finance Bill will have another shot at getting their voices heard. They are expected to have presented their proposed amendments to the Committee of the Whole House.
The Committee will consider their proposed amendments before approving the clauses with or without amendments.
After that process, the report is sent to the House for approval. If it is approved, it will proceed to the final stage which is the Third Reading.
In the Third Reading, no amendments will be made but the MPs will take a final vote.
If the MPs approve the Bill through voting, Speaker Wetang’ula will transmit it to President William Ruto where he will have 14 days to either assent or send it back with recommendations.
If approved, it becomes an Act of Law meaning the government will start implementing the revenue-raising measures contained in it.
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