In a statement delivered by Narc Kenya Party Leader Martha Karua, Azimio coalition stated that it will hold a public engagement forum on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at Kamukunji Grounds in Nairobi.
Karua expressed dissatisfaction with the passage of the Finance Bill, claiming that it ignored the wishes of the majority of Kenyans and signaled the rise of a dictatorship. The coalition intends to provide an opportunity for the public to ask questions and share their views on the controversial bill. This public forum is part of Azimio la Umoja’s ongoing efforts to engage with the public on key economic issues and determine whether nationwide protests should be organized.
“We have seen what happens when a rogue and uncaring Head of the Executive decides that the only thing that matters is his ego, fantasies, corruption, and the agenda of his cronies,” stated Karua.
The coalition acknowledged the hardships faced by millions of Kenyans and vowed to push the current regime to ensure that the Finance Bill and the national budget address the needs of the people. They mentioned seeking legal redress or staging mass protests as possible avenues to oppose the bill. Azimio la Umoja claimed that the Finance Bill 2023 would result in hyperinflation and a significant increase in food prices, emphasizing the need to vehemently oppose it.
Karua commended the MPs who stood up for the people’s interests and forced several amendments to the bill, despite the regime’s initial resistance. The coalition expressed ogratitude to these MPs and stated that they believe the Kenyan public also appreciates their efforts.
Public Participation on Finance Bill 2023
The coalition is planning the rally amidst public debate on whether the Parliament of Kenya has considered public opinions and views on the Finance Bill 2023.
During the 9-day Public Participation Stage of the Finance Bill 2023, the National Assembly Finance and Planning Committee received numerous submissions from members of the public and stakeholders representing various sectors of the economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, and labor. However, it appears that the opinions of the majority of stakeholders who opposed the bill in its entirety were either ignored or rejected by the committee.
A total of 137 stakeholders submitted objections to the bill in its entirety. Among the submissions, 87 out of 89 email submissions acknowledged by the Finance Committee, expressed strong objections to the introduction of the Housing Levy. Only 2 email submissions supported the introduction of the Housing Levy, citing its potential to create jobs as a reason for their support.
One of the submissions came from the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), which proposed the deletion of Clause 76, related to the Housing Levy, arguing that there was a need for a framework to guide its implementation and management. KAM also emphasized the importance of further consultation with the public to ensure understanding and support for the levy’s intent.
These numbers indicate that a clear majority of stakeholders voiced their opposition to the Finance Bill, particularly concerning the introduction of the Housing Levy. The submissions reflect concerns and differing perspectives on the potential impact of the levy, with the majority expressing their reservations or outright objections.
Despite these submissions, the report presented by the committee, led by Kimani Kuria, does not appear to have incorporated any of these views. This raises the question of whether the Public Participation Sessions had a meaningful impact on the decision-making process regarding the Finance Bill.
