Budget debate leaves hustlers a bit lost on impact of new taxes

The Finance Bill provides for collection of revenue to fund the budget, which in the 2022/2023 financial year is set as Sh3.67 trillion.

Molo MP Kimani Kuria, who chairs the Finance and Planning Committee, opened up about how happy Kenyans were to learn of the ballooned budget and the goodies promised to many sectors.

He would also disclose that many frowned upon the contentious proposals that have dominated public discourse in recent weeks. They include the housing levy, which many of those who attended the committee's public participation rejected.

"Kenyans told us it is a good thing to make houses affordable to the public," he said, adding that they felt 3 per cent housing levy was a bit too much.

Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi. [[Samson Wire, Standard]

Earlier, Nyali MP Mohamed Ali had accused Azimio of spreading rumours about the Bill. He also singled out a Kenya Kwanza MP who has been "inciting the public," but had chickened out, skipping Wednesday's debate.

Ali supported the Bill as a necessity in ridding Kenya of its beggar's tag, saying it was time government stopped walking around with a beggar's bowl. The only way to break ourselves free of the chains of begging, he stated, was by tightening our belts.

"Tufunge long'i yetu vizuri," he preached to his colleagues, assuring that things would only be tough for "one or two years".

But Kathiani MP Robert Mbui dismissed the argument, likening it to Shakahola promise of starving on earth so that one enjoys milk and honey in paradise.

Ali was in an accusatory mood, stating that all MPs owned houses that they got courtesy of Sh30 million the taxpayer ensures they receive once elected.

"Tuachane na ubinafsi na tufikiri hawa wananchi," he cried out. "Hatuwezi mnyima maskini nyumba na wewe unajipa nyumba."

His remarks rubbed Azimio members wrongly, with many saying the Sh30 million was not a grant and is, in fact, a loan that milks their payslips dry.

"We are not interested in your house," Migori Woman Representative Fatuma Mohamed said. "It will not come even if we give you 100 per cent levy. Kenyans want food. They don't want houses that do not exist. After all, I am a Muslim and I have a golden house waiting for me in heaven."