Nyeri residents still opposed to the Finance Bill 2023 amendments as parliament debates its proposals

Nyeri, Thursday June15, 2023, KNA,

By Mercy Ndegwa

The proposed Finance Bill 2023 which was debated yesterday by the National Assembly has continued to elicit varied reactions from Nyeri residents.

Speaking to KNA, the residents said that even with amendments, some of the proposals in the bill, which will be implemented starting July this year, were still not favourable for the common mwananchi. Those opposed to the Bill pointed out the proposed 1.5 Housing Levy from the Bill saying that it will continue to hurt them financially.

Mary Mumbi a smokie/sausage vendor in Nyeri town admitted that she is not well informed about the Finance Bill 2023.She noted that from the little information she had received from the media regarding the Bill, she is not convinced the ordinary citizen will benefit in any way should the Bill be passed.

“This bill will oppress the ordinary citizen and low income earners. Currently I am struggling to pay rent and other bills. Even if they reduce the percentage of housing levy to 1.5 per cent, we ‘hustlers’ will still be oppressed,” she opined.

Caroline Wangari who sells mobile phone accessories recommended that parliament should vote against the Bill. She noted that most of the proposed taxes were good but were ill timed given the tough economic times that Kenyans were facing.

“For instance, the housing levy is a good proposal but the government has come up with it at the wrong time. The cost of living is high for most Kenyans and these levies will make life harder. The government should first prioritize how Kenyans will afford food at cheaper prices,” she said.

On the other hand, Peter Gatundu, a hardware attendant lauded the Bill as a good idea that will encourage Kenyans to remit taxes. He urged the National Assembly to pass the Bill as a means of supporting the government to generate enough internal revenue thus curb its reliance on foreign debts.

“I support the Finance Bill 2023 because it will be of benefit to the people and the country. If we do not pay the tax the country will not develop. In addition I have trust in this government that it will be able to deliver on its development if we stop politicising every issue,” he stated.

The debate on the Finance Bill is expected to pave the way for the Treasury Cabinet Secretary Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u to present the Budget estimates for the financial year 2023/2024 for approval by members of parliament.

Courtesy ; K. N. A