By Irene Mwangi
Kenyans will have to bear the burden of the 16 per cent Value Added Tax on petroleum products, as the National Assembly and Executive started a series of meeting to solve the current crisis. This even as the high court in Bungoma temporarily halted the levying of the 16% VAT on fuel products.
The meeting that brought together the National Treasury CS Henry Rotich, Attorney General Paul Kihara and Parliament leaders including Speaker Justin Muturi lasted for few hours.
Speaking to journalists after a meeting Speaker Justin Muturi gave hope to Kenyans that a solution will be found on the current impasse.
“I am very optimistic that a solution will be arrived at and all the issues that Kenyans are concerned about will be addressed and this will be achieved through a series of meetings that we have lined up with other stakeholders,” he said on Thursday at Parliament buildings.
Treasury CS Henry Rotich who also spoke to journalists urged Kenyans to be patient while exuding confidence that they will resolve the stalemate but he did not promise anything.
“We have started consultations today and in due course we shall be updating members of the public on the progress but eventually a solution will be found,” he asserted.
President Uhuru Kenyatta signature on the finance act 2018 is the only viable solution to the tax payers on this matter.
If the head of state refuses to sign the Bill and send it back on the Floor of the House with his reservations. The August house which is on a one-month recess may be forced to cut short their holiday and convene for a special sitting.