MPs to amend disputed Finance Bill clauses

In the last couple of weeks, the issue of the three per cent housing levy and 16 per cent value-added tax (VAT) on petroleum products have dominated talks, with the opposition calling for the Bill to be withdrawn.

But addressing the press in Naivasha, Kuria exuded confidence that the Bill would be accepted by the National Assembly.

He said they had looked into all the recommendations handed over to them and included them in the 137-page document.

"The committee has come to an agreement on all the clauses and made some amendments based on the petitions we got from members of the public," he said.

However, the MP was coy on the issue of the housing levy and the VAT on fuel products, noting that this would be made public once the document is tabled before the House.

He said the country was crippled financially due to the debt burden.

He noted that the committee had made recommendations that would see the State cut on borrowing.

"We are currently paying a debt of Sh958 billion, and for every Sh10, Sh6.7 goes towards servicing our debts, and it is time that this was changed," he said.

He lashed out at those who were demonising the whole report based on two issues adding that the bill had many positives but the debate had taken a political angle.

Kuria pointed to the waiver on agriculture inputs, vaccines, and electric cars and motorbikes as some of the incentives in the bill.

"Soon Kenya will become the leading producer of vaccines due to the incentives in this bill mainly to the manufacturers," he said.

He called for sobriety in Parliament, adding that the MPs had the power to amend the Bill once in Parliament.

"Every clause in this Bill has its implication in the country's economy, and we cannot throw it out wholly just because of two controversial sections," he said.

In Nakuru, Bahati MP Irene Njoki, during a fundraiser at Full Gospel Church in Kampi ya Moto, drummed support for the Finance Bill. The Jubilee MP said the housing levy is worth supporting and will vote in support of the Bill.

Tiaty MP William Kamket also declared his support for the government, saying some people are still in denial following President William Ruto's win.

Gilgil MP Martha Wangari said they would vote based on what will help the country and the people to move forward.

Bureti MP Kibet Komingoi called on the residents to trust their leaders, saying they would not lead them into darkness. Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot said the lies are perpetrated by those who want to ensure the government fails.