On Tuesday, June 18, the Azimio la Umoja Parliamentary Group (PG) resolved to reject the Finance Bill 2024 in its entirety.
This decision came after two hours of deliberation, held shortly after National Assembly Finance Committee Chair Kimani Kuria tabled the document in Parliament.
The opposition's resolution coincided with party leader Raila Odinga expressing support for the thousands of Kenyans who demonstrated against the Finance Bill.
Earlier, Kenya Kwanza PG announced the removal of tax proposals that had sparked public outrage and protests in Nairobi's Central Business District.
"Azimio la Umoja PG resolves to reject the Finance Bill 2024 in its totality, including the proposed climbdown by the Kenya Kwanza regime," the group stated.
"The proposed changes are not substantial enough to better the lives of Kenyans who are reeling under heavy taxes contained in the current Finance Act."
Some concessions made by the Kenya Kwanza PG included the removal of a 16 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) on bread and a proposed 2.5 percent motor vehicle tax.
Following public outcry, the regime also shelved proposals to reduce excise duty on vegetable oil and to increase mobile money transfer charges.
According to the National Assembly Order Paper No. 50, legislators will debate the Bill on Wednesday.
Speaker Moses Wetangula will allow opposition members to propose further amendments.
Despite these changes, Kenya Kwanza remains optimistic that the Bill will pass without further amendments, thanks to the modifications made by Kimani Kuria’s team.
The Finance Bill will face two votes in the Second and Third readings. If passed, it will be signed into law by President William Ruto.
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