By Joseph Kamau Waweru
A section of church leaders in the North Rift region has added their voice to the ongoing debate over plans by the government to introduce more taxes on Kenyans.
Led by Eldoret Catholic Diocese Bishop Dominic Kimengich, the church leaders say the government should put into consideration the effects of more taxes on the citizens.
According to Kimengich, it is the duty of the government to take care of the citizens by ensuring the policies they pass favour them.
“On the matters of taxation, it is a must that the government scrutinizes the life of the common mwananchi,” said the clergy.
He also noted that there are many Kenyans struggling to make ends meet – the individuals that the government need to reach out to and support.
The Eldoret Catholic Diocese Bishop further challenged political leaders to prioritize policies that will help the growth of the country and Kenyans.
“The work of the government is to ensure people live well. If people have issues, it is the duty of the government to help them. The poor in society, those hungry deserve to be helped. We would also want to see politicians push for policies that will take this country forward,” he noted.
Finance Bill 2023 standoff
Kenyans are currently debating over some of the proposals contained in the Finance Bill.
The bill seeks to among others introduce an 18 per cent tax on fuel, a 35 per cent income tax on Kenyans earning over Ksh500,000 monthly as well as a 3 per cent deduction for Housing Fund.
Some political leaders allied to the opposition have since described some of the proposals as those that will add more burden to the already struggling Kenyan.
The Azimio coalition has vowed to reject the Finance Bill in totality.
“We are opposed to increasing taxes on already struggling Kenyans,” said National Assembly Deputy Minority Whip Robert Mbui.
“…the 16 per cent VAT we will take it back to 8 per cent…the 3 per cent levy on National housing and development, we will reject it…,” added the Kathani MP.
However, those allied to the government insist the Bill will be passed without even a comma being removed.
“On the FINANCE BILL 2023 the decision to pass by Parliament is NOT optional where even coma shall not be amended be because we either borrow more or raise our own revenue through taxation,” Nandi Senator said in a tweet dated May 9, 2023.
