Kenya Finance Bill 2024 Sparks Protests Over Bread TaxJune 21, 2024
Kenya’s controversial finance bill for 2024 has ignited widespread protests across the nation, leading to clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. The bill, which aims to raise $2.7 billion in additional taxes to address the country’s national debt of nearly $80 billion, includes a proposed 16% value-added tax on bread. This tax has become a focal point of public anger, with protesters taking to the streets to voice their opposition.
The protests, which began on June 18, 2024, have seen significant public participation, especially among the youth and middle-class Kenyans. Demonstrators have been met with a heavy-handed response from the police, who have used tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds. The violence has resulted in at least one person being killed and over 200 others injured. Additionally, more than 100 individuals have been arrested.
President William Ruto, who was elected on a promise to support the working poor, has defended the proposed tax hikes. However, the administration has been forced to backtrack on some of the more contentious proposals, including the bread tax, following public outcry. Despite these concessions, the protests have continued, with demonstrators demanding that the entire bill be scrapped.
The opposition coalition, Azimio la Umoja One Kenya, has condemned the government’s handling of the protests and called for the resignation of the country’s police chief, Japhet Koome. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has also criticized the police for their use of excessive force and the illegal arrest of protesters.
The finance bill is currently being debated in parliament, with the final vote expected next Tuesday. The outcome of this vote will be closely watched, as it will determine whether the government will proceed with the proposed tax hikes or be forced to reconsider its approach.
In the meantime, the protests show no signs of abating, with demonstrators vowing to continue their fight against what they see as an unjust and burdensome tax regime. The government, for its part, remains committed to its goal of reducing the national debt, but it faces a difficult task in balancing this objective with the need to maintain social stability and public support.
