00:00According to media reports, Kenya's government is poised to reintroduce several tax measures
00:21that were previously abandoned following the violent protest in June, according to the
00:26Finance Minister John Mbadi.
00:28In a recent interview with the local news channel, Mbadi outlined government's proposal
00:33to implement a series of amendments aimed at boosting revenue and covering essential
00:37expenditures.
00:38The proposed changes include the reinstatement of an eco-levy on items such as electronic
00:43goods and plastic packaging designed to address environmental concern and reduce waste.
00:50Mbadi emphasized the importance of this measure, stating that if you are injurious to the environment,
00:55then you must pay for helping make good the harm you have caused.
01:00However, the government is not planning to reintroduce all of the previously scrapped
01:05taxes.
01:06Mbadi assured that certain sensitive items such as sanitary pads will remain exempt from
01:11additional taxation.
01:14The Finance Minister also revealed that the government is considering approximately 49
01:18new tax measures with the goal of generating approximately $1.2 billion in revenue.
01:26These new tax proposals were a part of the Tax Amendment Bill, which is expected to be
01:31implemented by the end of September.
01:34The move comes after President William Ruto was forced to abandon this year's financial
01:39bill on 26 June following widespread riots and the storming of Parliament by the demonstrators.
01:46The original bill had aimed to raise approximately $2.7 billion in taxes but faced fierce opposition
01:52from the public.
01:54The protests in June escalated into total violence resulting in dozens of deaths and
01:59prompting President Ruto to dismiss most of his Cabinet on 11 July.
02:05Despite the setback, the Kenyan leader maintains that additional revenue is crucial for securing
02:09an IMF funding and preventing a debt default.
02:15In response to the public outcry, the government is now exploring alternative measures including
02:19the budget cut for the President's office.
02:22This approach will likely draw unrest again despite the fact that Kenya needs increased
02:27revenue and public concerns about the tax burden.
02:45Don't miss out.
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