Senator Samson Cheraragei of Nandi claims that Parliament would pass the Draft Finance Bill 2023 without changing a comma.
This is despite the uproar following the Bill's introduction, with Kenyans complaining over the proposed tax rise.
According to the Senator, a close supporter of President William Ruto, the steps are required to ensure that the budget is sufficiently funded so that the economy is resurrected.
''The bill will be enacted as is, without even a comma change, so that the government can finance its budget,'' he said.
Cherargei stated that the country now has a budget imbalance of roughly Ksh.800 billion and that if no action is taken, the government will continue to borrow, which is unsustainable.
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He said that The taxation introduced is mostly on luxury items; no new taxes can harm a hustler, and he explained that I have never seen a hustler wearing wigs or fake nails," he explained.
He said that they must be honest with the country where we are. Our trajectory is not good for the country, they must agree that it will be painful for some time, but at least their children's future will be a prosperous economy.
Regarding the proposed 8% VAT on petroleum goods, Cherragei stated that the government-to-government agreement between Kenya and the Gulf countries would protect Kenyans from excessive fuel prices.
Cherargei stated that the petroleum would be imported at a lower cost, noting that it would be purchased in Kenyan shillings rather than dollars, driving up the fuel price.
The law introduced in Parliament last week has been roundly criticised, particularly by the Azimio La Umoja opposition alliance, which has threatened to go to the streets if passed in its current form.
The National Assembly has already asked Kenyans to weigh in on the Bill before the Finance Committee, led by Kuria Kimani, begins debating it.
