THE BILL

The finance bill in kenya has elicited mixed reactions. Lots of people view it as a burden added to the already tired 'wanjiku' who not only can afford to put food on the table but also cannot afford the basic commodities. There are some of us who are supporting the bill and view it as a heaven on earth idea that should be passed to unhook Kenyans from their daily troubles . 

President William Ruto says the bill is set to address challenges facing ordinary Kenyans . Will the kenyans view it on the President's perspective? How many people view this as a job creation opportunity? Does it have more advantages than the disadvantages or its vise versa? The new Finance bill 2023 has proposed an increase in taxes in major fields including fuel prices to have an increase in VAT of 16%from 8%. The content creation industry also will have themselves  being taxed 15% if the said bill is passed. 

The opposition hasn't taken it lightly. The opposition leader has mobilised his legislators to vote out the bill sighting that the bill is meant to bring down the already on its knees economy. 

The National treasury in the finance bill 2023 has proposed the imposition of 3% of the housing levy on an employee's basic salary capped at Sh 2,500 . According to the housing demand , kenya needs 250,000 houses annually. With a supply of only 50,000 houses annually, it will then mean there is a deficit.

The employees who are 50 years and are about to retire, don't know where the money taken from them will go. Since it requires upto 10 years for one to have completed their house payment. 

Some even need upto 70 years to get this houses . This ain't realistic, some people have different priorities and already got houses so  what's the importance of them being taxed? Busia county senator Okia Omtatah has filed a case challenging some sections of the finance bill 2023.The Senate legislator says that some sections threaten the right to property , access to justice and violates the constitution in general. He claims to have been financed by the legislators affiliated to the government to oppose the bill.Right if he succeeds then it's a relief to the public. 

The government should focus on the current undone things . Kenyans are saying they don't want houses to sleep in, they want industries to work in so they can support the vulnerable in their families. This Pesa ya wazee arrangement is no longer sustainable. It's just but an example of what is not done to perfection and you want say that the housing programme will work?So how will the houses help if I do need just to be employed.

The jobs will be created wont last a month a plumber will need a week to get the work done. The bill should be read in public so as to shed light on the unknown clauses. That whole thing should just be revisited thoroughly with the participation of citizens since they're the real bosses, they're the ones paying the taxes as for me I don't think I have faith in it.

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