As the Kenyan Kwanza government nuanced the Kshs. 3.7 Trillion (approximately, USD $ 26,4 Billion) budget statement proposal for the FY2023/24 budget, uproar and unequivocal views were echoed in the glare of media.

The Members of Parliament from the Azimio la Umoja Coalition walked out on Njuguna Ndung’u as he presented the second reading of the FY2023/24 budget in opposition to the financial proposals. The proposed budget has been the epicentre of the discussions from the onset of the year.

Speaking outside parliament, Hon Opiyo Wandayi the leader of Minority said, “We cannot sanitize a flawed process, we refuse to give legitimacy to an illegitimate undertaking.”

“We have therefore walked out from the parliament!” said Wandayi.

With the same tone, Zamzam Mohammed, MP from Mombasa County said, “We have refused to accept the proposed budget and we will stand with the Kenyan citizens because we don’t believe in the proposed budget.”

Mishi Mboko Member of Parliament, Likoni also lamented that the budget seeks to destroy the middle class.

Additionally, Junet Mohammed, National Assembly Minority Leader said, “We don’t believe that this budget was meant for the Kenyan people! This is a budget meant for the Kenya Kwanza government.”

With the same breadth, Dr. James Nyikal, Member of Parliament from Seme said, “If the people don’t like the budget, then, the government should not shove it down their throats.”

Netizens were also not left behind the discussion. Many took it to their social media platforms and echoed their views and frustrations in equal measure.

Harris, a financial expert said, “If the government is struggling to pay domestic debt, imagine the pressure of foreign debt! All the increased tax percentages and new deductions are going to serve one purpose … pay off debt and not build houses.”

Another netizen who wished to be anonymous simply said, “Tumemalizwa” Swahili word for “We are finished.”

Maruti, a renowned lawyer and human rights activist said, “It is difficult to trust the government.”

“Only time will tell if the government will reflect the true values of democracy,” added Maruti.

“The proposed bill will only leave its citizens impoverished,” decried Lomlen a social scientist and researcher and added “What the country needs now is a proper healthcare and a reliable education structure, not new expenses.”

Fred, a religious tax payer and wealth activist asked, “If we contribute Kshs. 5,000 per month what sort of units are we contributing towards?”

“We currently have an estimate of 18.3 million employees contributing 5,000 per month, and this means that the government will be collecting about 1.098 trillion per year! How will the government account for these resources?” asked Fred in a seemingly concerned tone.

“The government should scrap off the housing levy, Value added Tax (VAT) on places where it amounts to double taxation like the insurance sector,” said Maruti. “There seems to be a push for people to contribute more money rather than creation of opportunities for more wealth to be generated.”

Finally, Laura, an established banker and economic expert said, “Running our country is not like riding bicycles.”

“We need to put in place lots of checks and balances.” Said Laura. “We need to manage the cash flow in the economy, and cushioning of common mwanainchi.”

In general, many netizens believe that the housing levy in the proposed finance bill is a coerced investment because its interest rates are unknown.

Some -netizens however believe that the Kenya Kwanza government needs to be granted the benefit of doubt taking into consideration the global permutations of economic hardship seem to be universal.

Others believe the Kenya Kwanza government should simply make good their promises and listen to the voices of the people. The national assembly received over 1000 memorandums tabled against the 2023 Finance Bill. However, it seems that the government will have the last say on this matter.

Whatever the case, time will tell whether the president will heed to their cry or if the netizens and the Azimio Member of Parliaments or whether their views and proposals will be mere footnotes in the public domain.

Source: Africa Science News (ASN)