Protests Against Finance Bill Intensify in Kisumu, Eldoret, Nyeri Despite Heavy Police Presence

 In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…

• Kenyans protest nationwide against the 2024 Finance Bill's tax proposals.

• Amendments made following public outcry exclude VAT on essential items and reduce other taxes.

The streets of major towns in Kenya are now filled with crowds chanting slogans against the 2024 Finance Bill. 

As Members of Parliament are set to begin a debate on the contentious tax proposals, Kenyans in Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, Nyeri, and Isiolo took to the streets early Thursday morning.

In Kisumu, youths gathered at the Kondele roundabout, carrying placards and blowing whistles in protest against the Finance Bill. Meanwhile, in Nairobi, a heavy police presence has been noted, with roads leading to Parliament barricaded to control the crowds.

The protests are taking place amid calls for restraint by the police, who have been urged to protect the protesters. 

On Tuesday, Nairobi witnessed a major protest dubbed Occupy Parliament, where Kenyans urged MPs to reject the Finance Bill.

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What started as online activism prompted the Kenya Kwanza government to amend the Finance Bill, removing some of the contentious tax proposals. 

The amended Bill now excludes the proposed 16 percent VAT on bread, transportation of sugar, financial services, and foreign exchange transactions, as well as the 2.5 percent Motor Vehicle Tax. 

Additionally, there will be no increase in mobile money transfer fees, and the Excise Duty on vegetable oil has been removed.

In response, President William Ruto stated that the ongoing protests would not hinder the decision-making process by relevant institutions. 

"Civil society is free to do what they want to do; those who want to demonstrate, they can demonstrate, it is their right, no problem, but decisions have to be made by institutions," Ruto said on Wednesday.