Kenya's Finance Law: Privacy Concerns and Parliamentary Approval

Kenya's parliament approved the proposed finance law amid privacy concerns over taxpayer data. Lawmakers denied the Kenya Revenue Authority unrestricted data access, citing constitutional safeguards. Protests last year against tax hikes resulted in significant unrest, prompting President Ruto to drop plans for a major tax increase.

In a decisive move, Kenya's parliament has given the green light to this year's proposed finance law, carefully navigating privacy concerns and constitutional safeguards.

The parliamentary finance committee stood firm, rejecting a proposal that sought to grant the Kenya Revenue Authority unfettered access to taxpayer data. This decision resonated with public sentiment, owing to past protests.

With the new law, the government aims to raise an additional 30 billion shillings, strengthening tax compliance through existing legal frameworks that ensure data access only with a court warrant.

(With inputs from agencies.)