MPs vote to delete Finance Bill 2024 clauses

National Assembly proceedings in Nairobi. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Lawmakers have voted to remove all clauses from the Finance Bill 2024 after adopting President William Ruto's recommendations for the bill’s approval without amendments.

The move comes days after the National Assembly resumed its sittings after a three-week recess.

"I beg to report that the Committee of the Whole House has considered the President's recommendations on the Finance Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 30 of 2024) and its approval without amendments, resulting in the removal of all clauses," said National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gladys Shollei.

On Thursday, 25 July, the lawmakers voted to delete all 69 clauses of the bill, including those related to the Income Tax Act (Cap 470), the Value Added Tax Act, the Excise Duty Act, the Miscellaneous Fees and Levies Act, the Tax Procedures Act, and the Miscellaneous Act.

President Ruto declined to sign the bill into law following widespread protests.

 In a Wednesday, 26 June press conference, he proposed austerity measures across government departments, including the Executive.

"Because I run a government but I also lead people, and the people have spoken, I am grateful to all members of the National Assembly who voted affirmatively for the Finance Bill 2024 as amended on the floor of the House," Ruto said.

 "Listening keenly to the people of Kenya who have said loudly that they want nothing to do with this Finance Bill 2024, I concede, and therefore I will not sign the 2024 Finance Bill and it shall subsequently be withdrawn."

Ruto also directed immediate austerity measures to reduce expenditure, starting with the Office of the President and extending to the executive arm of government. This includes reductions in allocations for travel, hospitality, vehicle purchases, renovations, and other expenses.

 "Working with the Treasury, we will undertake budget cuts and austerity measures to ensure we live within our means, respecting the clear message from the people of Kenya," he added.