The National Assembly carried out public participation in Kericho Town where residents submitted their views to the Finance and National Planning Committee concerning six Tax Bills.
The bills include the Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill 2024, The Tax Procedures (Amendment), 2024, the Public Finance (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill 2024, the Public Finance (Amendment) (No. 4) Bill 2024, Public Procurement and Disposal (Amendment) Bill 2024, and Business laws (Amendment) Bill.
The principal object of the Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill 2024, is to amend the Income Tax Act, Value Added Tax Act, and Exercise Duty Act.
The Public Participation forum yesterday led by the Finance and National Planning Committee Vice Chair Amb. Benjamin Langat (Ainamoi MP) brought together members of the public, non-governmental organizations, civil societies, professional bodies, private sector players, religious groups, and other stakeholders.
Amb. Langat explained that the proposed Bills introduce a range of new employment tax reliefs, including an increase in tax-free limits and tax incentives for contributions to the newly established Social Health Insurance Fund and the Affordable Housing Levy.
“These measures aim to alleviate the tax burden on workers while supporting vital social initiatives,” said Amb. Langat.
The major concern by a majority of the participants was misappropriation of the taxes and corruption urging the committee to ensure that as the government collects taxes, there was proper utilization demanding transparency and accountability of taxes for developments.
The other members of the Finance and National Planning Committee included Butula MP Joseph Oyula, Kajiado West MP George Arisa Sunkuya, and Chesumek MP Paul Kibichi.
“We have listened to the members of the Public and have taken note of even concern raised and we promise to incorporate them for their greater good,” said Amb. Langat.
By Kibe Mburu and Ken Kiprotich
