Kenya's Finance Minister Plans Controversial Tax Reintroduction Amid Protests

Kenya’s new finance minister, John Mbadi, announced plans to reintroduce some previously contested taxes to address the country’s debt crisis. The move has drawn criticism and ignited more protests, especially among youth-led movements, against the high cost of living and government policies.

Kenya's new finance minister, John Mbadi, plans to reintroduce some taxes from a previously contested finance bill through a tax amendment bill. This move aims to generate revenue for debt repayment but has already fueled public outrage.

In a Sunday television interview, Mbadi detailed that the new bill would include environmentally driven taxes, among others. Critics argue these taxes will hike the prices of essential goods like sanitary towels and diapers, exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis.

Protests have been ongoing since mid-June, with over 50 fatalities reported due to alleged police brutality. Opposition figures and protesters remain staunchly opposed to the reintroduced taxes and have called for President William Ruto’s resignation, demands he has outrightly rejected.