The Finance Bill 2024 proposed higher taxes on basic items such as bread, cooking oil, and medical equipment. These are items that most households depend on for daily use. Increasing taxes on them would mean that families spend more on food, cooking needs, and healthcare. This made many Kenyans feel that the Bill was unfair, especially at a time when the cost of living is already high. The proposal quickly led to public anger and nationwide protests.
In one dramatic incident, protesters entered the grounds of Parliament to express their frustration with the Bill. This was a clear sign of the depth of public opposition. It showed that the proposed tax changes were not just a technical matter for economists but a real issue affecting ordinary people’s lives. The protests were loud and widespread, reflecting the level of concern among citizens.
What Happened in Parliament
Even after the protests, Members of Parliament passed the Finance Bill. However, the President refused to sign it into law. Instead, he reduced the national budget by Ksh 999 billion and signed the Appropriations Bill. The Appropriations Bill is the law that allows the government to spend money during the year. This meant the government could still operate, but without the tax increases that were in the Finance Bill.
The President’s move avoided the immediate impact of the proposed tax rises. However, it also raised questions about how the budget cuts would affect public services. Reducing spending by such a large amount could slow down projects, reduce government programs, and impact sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
The Privacy Issue
One of the most disputed parts of the Finance Bill would have allowed the Kenya Revenue Authority to access personal financial information from M-Pesa and bank accounts without first obtaining a court order. This would mean that KRA officers could directly look into people’s transactions without judicial oversight!
Many Kenyans saw this as a direct violation of the right to privacy, which is protected under Article 31 of the Constitution. This Article says that your personal information, including your communications and financial records, cannot be accessed or shared without your permission or a clear legal reason. In the case of Okiya Omtatah Okoiti v Communications Authority of Kenya the court ruled that government agencies must have a lawful and reasonable basis to obtain personal data. The court also stated that proper legal procedures, such as getting a court order, must be followed before such access is granted!
Your Rights in This Situation
Tax laws do not just affect how much money the government collects. They also affect the cost of living and sometimes touch on constitutional rights. When taxes are increased on essentials like food, cooking oil, and medicine, it directly impacts household budgets. Families may have to cut back on other needs to afford basic goods.
When a law proposes to give a government body the power to access personal data without a proper process, it is important to understand the legal safeguards that exist. As a citizen, you have the right to question such proposals and to demand transparency from leaders. You can also take part in public debates and use the courts to challenge any law that is unfair or unconstitutional!
By being informed about how finance and tax laws work, you are better placed to hold leaders accountable. Public involvement is an important way to make sure that these laws are fair, reasonable, and respectful of the rights of all citizens!
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