Kenyans are protesting over a new finance bill that introduces unpopular tax proposals that have drawn a lot of anger across the nation.<\/p>\n
The controversial bill, which has provisions that are seen as imposing extra burdens on ordinary citizens and businesses, has sparked a huge outcry from a public already burdened with a high cost of living.<\/p>\n
It has triggered youth-led protests, which, though largely peaceful, have led to at least one death and hundreds of injuries as well as arrests \u2013 all of which have been condemned by lawyers and human rights groups.<\/p>\n
The government has dropped some of the contentious proposals, but it has done little to assuage public anger.<\/p>\n
Many now want the entire bill scrapped.<\/p>\n
On social media, there have been calls for protest and demands that lawmakers oppose the tax increases.<\/p>\n
What were some of the original plans that sparked anger ?<\/h2>\n
Amendments to the bill look set to be approved but some of the controversial provisions initially put forward included a plan to introduce a 16% sales tax on bread and 25% duty on cooking oil.<\/p>\n
There was also a planned increase in the tax on financial transactions as well as a new annual tax on vehicle ownership amounting to 2.5% of the value of the vehicle.<\/p>\n
The government said it was dropping these measures amid a public outcry.<\/p>\n
The eco levy, described as a charge on products that contribute to e-waste and harm the environment, was another key provision of the bill that the government has now suggested amendments to.<\/p>\n
Critics pointed out that it would lead to the increase in the cost of essential items such as sanitary pads, which was seen as insensitive, as there are many girls who, unable to afford these products, often miss school during their periods.<\/p>\n
Babies’ nappies would also be affected.<\/p>\n
Following an outcry, the government said the levy would apply only on imported products, arguing that this would the boost growth of local industries.<\/p>\n
The other key target of this eco levy is digital products, including mobile phones, cameras and recording equipment as well as TV and radio equipment. A rise in the cost of these products is seen as harmful to the growth of the digital economy, which many Kenyans rely on for their livelihoods.<\/p>\n
What are some of the measures that remain untouched?<\/h2>\n
The finance bill introduces a 16% tax on goods and services for the direct and exclusive use in the construction and equipping of specialised hospitals with a minimum bed capacity of 50.<\/p>\n
Many Kenyans have been apprehensive that this could mean higher costs to access critical health services for cancer, diabetes, kidney dialysis or other chronic illnesses.<\/p>\n
The chairman of the parliamentary finance committee, Kuria Kimani, has dismissed claims that \u201cthe bill introduces taxation on cancer patients\u201d terming them in parliament as \u201cfalsehoods to emotionalise the public\u201d.<\/p>\n
The bill proposes to increase the rate of import taxes from 2.5% to 3% of the value of the item, to be paid by the importer at the port.<\/p>\n
The rise comes just a year after the rate was reduced from 3.5% to 2.5%. The change is expected to generate additional revenue for government but could also lead to higher prices for imported products.<\/p>\n