Reject finance bill in totality, deputy governor tells MPs

By Peter Ochieng

A deputy governor is urging Members of Parliament (MPs) to reject the finance bill, 2023.

The bill is expected to be tabled in the National Assembly this week.

Kisumu deputy governor Mathews Ochieng Owili on Tuesday said if the bill is passed, Kenyans should look foward to 'erosion of their financial capabilities.'

The bill proposes an increase of VAT on fuel from the current 8 to 16 per cent, a move the deputy county boss says will lead to a sharp increase in prices of most commodities.

"It is unfortunate that this regime would like to push down Kenyans' throat a punitive and unpopular finance bill," said the DG.

He contested the proposed 3 per cent housing levy, insisting that world over, construction of affordable houses is funded by pension schemes such as NSSF, Lapfund, Laptrust and County Pensions Fund.

He spoke at the Rotary Vocational Training Centre, during issuance of scholarships and bursaries to needy, bright students in the Lakeside County.

Owili said 3, 516 leaners will benefit from the Sh102, 500, 000 allocation, from a pool of over 52, 000 applicants.

He said the total allocation had been capped at Sh205 million for the second tranche of financial year 2022/2023, but they were only able to issue Sh102 million because of lack of enough funds.

Owili said the county government of Kisumu is owed Sh2 billion in arrears by the national government, after non remittance of funds for the months of March, April and May. 2023.

On his part, Kisumu County Chief Executive Committee Member (CECM) for education John Awiti, urged beneficiaries to work hard in school and ensure they submit to them, report forms every end of the term.