DETAILS OF RAILA’S PEOPLE BUDGET

Wednesday night members of Parliament voted in favor of the controversial Finance Bill 2023 despite strong opposition from civil society groups and opposition lawmakers.

Out of all those who voted, 176 MPs voted in favor of the bill, 86 voted against it and no MP abstained. 91 MPs did not show up during the session.

In the Finance Bill, the government introduced a new set of taxes with the aim of raising the revenue and realise its budget which is the highest number in history.

The budget, estimated at SH3.599 trillion will outline the government’s spending plans for the financial year starting July 1.

But for the opposition, the introduction of new taxes including housing levy and digital tax which have been reduced to 1.5% from 3% and 3% from 15% respectively is punitive.

Azimio leader Raila Odinga has said that they will introduce a ‘people’s budget’ which is favorable to Kenyans during these hard times.

“After going through the document, our position remains that the Budget proposal remains flawed beyond redemption. As we said earlier, no amount of amendments can redeem this Bill,” Azimio said in a statement.

Former Governor Wycliffe Oparanya said that the government should live within its means and not overtax Kenyans.

“That budget is coming. Kenyans will have a people’s budget. We believe in a country that lives within its means so that we are not held hostage by countries that lend us money. Borrowing to spend is not a wise idea,” he said.

Here are more proposals from the opposition;

Azimio believe the country will function better when the government strengthens the Middle Class. Creating an enabling environment for manufacturing so that more investors can set up in our country and provide jobs to our people.

Empowering the private sector and enabling it to be the driver of growth in our country and extending a helping hand to women and particularly to single mothers and the youth.