Gathoni Wamuchomba, a Githunguri Member of Parliament, has called the Finance Bill 2023 "punitive, oppressive, and scandalous."

The controversial measure proposes a 16% VAT on fuel, a housing fund, and other fees, as President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza government wants to garner more money from Kenyans.

Many Kenyans, including Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalition-allied politicians, have opposed the bill. However, Wamuchomba, a Kenya Kwanza MP, has asked Ruto's administration to heed Kenyans' pleas.

PHOTO | COURTESY Gathoni Wamuchomba

A petition has been filed to contest the contentious bill, even though President Ruto and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, insist it must pass as is.

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Before the measure is tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, the National Assembly Finance and Planning Committee made further recommendations to several problematic elements in the bill on Sunday.

Among them is the plan to reduce the 3% Housing Levy to 1.5% and only deduct it from employees and the 15% VAT on digital content development to 5%.

PHOTO | COURTESY Gathoni Wamuchomba

The group also advocated tax exemptions for agricultural inputs, vaccines, and electric vehicles but proposed keeping the 16% VAT on petroleum items.

The law is now scheduled for tabling in parliament on Tuesday, with the second reading on the house floor expected on Wednesday following approval by the House Business Committee.