Kenya’s Treasury Minister hints at reintroducing controversial taxes
After weeks of violent protests that led to dozens of deaths, Kenya’s treasury minister John Mbadi has hinted at the possibility of reintroducing the controversial taxes that sparked widespread outrage across the country. The government is exploring various avenues to address a growing budget deficit and enhance revenue collection, with plans to reintroduce 47 amendments, including the eco-levy, but removing the ban on sanitary pads and other sensitive items.
A letter from “Concerned Kenyans” has been circulating on social media warning of renewed protests over the proposed taxes. The government’s U-turn has raised concerns among civil society groups and opposition leaders, who fear that reintroducing these unpopular taxes could lead to further unrest and erode public trust in the administration.
Instead, they argue that the government should focus on alternative revenue-generating measures and prioritize spending cuts to ease the burden on the public. The taxes in the Finance Bill 2024 triggered a wave of demonstrations earlier this year, resulting in at least 50 deaths.
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