Kenyans Protest Against Proposed Tax Increases, Demand Rejection of Finance Bill

After months of expressing anger on social media, thousands of Kenyans gathered in Nairobi and other cities this week to protest a bill that would increase taxes to fund loans and development projects.

Demonstrations continued on Thursday, despite the government’s announcement that it would scale back some of the proposed tax hikes. Hundreds of protesters in Nairobi demanded that lawmakers reject the 2024 Finance Bill, which seeks to raise taxes across various sectors. Some of these increases stem from infrastructure debt owed to China.

Additional protests occurred in President William Ruto’s hometown of Eldoret, as well as in Nyeri, Nakuru, Kisii, and Kisumu. The proposed taxes would drive up the prices of items such as diapers, tires, batteries, smartphones, and cameras. The government also aims to increase the fuel levy by Kshs 9 (about UGX 290) to fund road maintenance.

Furthermore, the government has introduced an ecology levy, purportedly to combat plastic pollution and protect the environment. Effie Muendo, a protester, voiced her opposition to the bill.

“The finance bill is unconstitutional and very punitive to the people of Kenya,” she said. “Sixty-five percent of women cannot afford sanitary towels, yet they want to tax them. They tell us to buy local brands, but these are not available. Many women already cannot afford them. When they are taxed, how much more will it be? This undermines our dignity as women, and we cannot allow it.”

Thursday’s protest lasted for hours, with police using water cannons and tear gas to disperse demonstrators in central Nairobi. Some protesters were frustrated by the police presence, which prevented them from reaching the parliament buildings.

One protester, Diana, questioned the police’s actions, stating, “They are throwing tear gas at us, fighting us, beating us up. We are peacefully demonstrating for a better Kenya because we love our country.”

Kimani Mbugua, another protester, vowed to fight the bill to the end. “We are supposed to demonstrate; it’s a provision in our constitution. I don’t understand why the government is using tear gas when we are exercising our democratic rights. The finance bill is punitive, and it must be fought. We are committed to rejecting it.”

The parliament committee responsible for finance and planning has dropped proposed taxes on bread, cooking oil, the annual 2.5 percent levy on motor vehicles, and the tax on financial transactions. However, these changes did not satisfy protesters, who demand the entire bill be discarded. This stance is unpopular with ruling party members, who argue that higher taxes are necessary to fund development programs and repay loans.

The National Assembly is expected to vote on the bill next week, and Kenyans have vowed to continue protesting as the debate continues.