On the Foreign Scene
In Kenya, Parliament has passed the controversial Finance Bill despite significant opposition. The bill, supported by President Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza Alliance, passed with 195 votes in favor and 106 against.
This decision comes amid protests in Nairobi and Mombasa led by the opposition Azimio alliance. The demonstrations have turned violent, with one person confirmed dead and several reportedly abducted by masked police. The bill now awaits President Ruto’s assent.
The Finance Bill was amended to remove the proposed 16% VAT on bread, sugar transportation, financial services, foreign exchange transactions, and the 2.5% Motor Vehicle Tax. Additionally, there will be no increase in mobile money transfer fees, and the Excise Duty on vegetable oil was removed.
According Income tax exemptions include levies on the Housing Fund and proposed Social Health Insurance, while the Eco Levy will only apply to imported finished products contributing to e-waste.
Locally manufactured items like sanitary towels, diapers, phones, computers, tires, and motorcycles will be exempt from this levy.
Protests escalated on Tuesday, with Reuters reporting several people shot and live footage showing City Hall burning as demonstrators stormed Parliament grounds. The death toll may rise as police continue to clash with protesters.
Also ,activists and rights groups have condemned the violence, calling for an end to the crackdown on protesters.
