The proposed Finance Bill 2023, debated yesterday by the National Assembly has continued to elicit varied reactions from Nyeri residents.
Even with amendments, some of the proposals in the bill, which will be implemented starting July this year, still needed to be favorable for them. Those opposed to the Bill pointed out the proposed 1.5 Housing Levy from the Bill, saying it will continue to hurt them financially.
Mary Mumbi, a smokie/sausage vendor in Nyeri town, admitted that she is ill-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 percent, we ‘hustlers’ will still be oppressed,” she opined.
Caroline Wangari, who sells mobile phone accessories, recommended that parliament vote against the Bill. She noted that most of the proposed taxes were good but needed to be better timed, given the harsh 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 lower 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 to support the government in generating enough internal revenue, thus curbing its reliance on foreign debts.
“I support the Finance Bill 2023 because it will benefit 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 politicizing 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.