Kenyans to Protest Against Finance Bill 2024 with 'Occupy Parliament' Demonstration

On Tuesday, Kenyans are poised to march through Nairobi's streets to protest the proposed tax hikes in the Finance Bill 2024.

Named ‘Occupy Parliament,’ the demonstrations aim to exert pressure on lawmakers to reject the bill, which is scheduled for debate in the House on Tuesday.

Online, Kenyans have been mobilizing support for the protests, sharing posters and guidelines for the rally outside the Parliament buildings in the central business district. On Monday, flyers circulated in the district, urging citizens to “rise against over-taxation by Zakayo,” referencing the nickname given to President William Ruto due to his tax policies since assuming office in 2022. Activist Boniface Mwangi announced on Monday that the protest would begin at 11 a.m., ahead of Parliament's session at 2 p.m.

According to posters on social media, demonstrators are encouraged to wear black. The issued code of conduct calls for calmness and advises against violence, abusive language, and property destruction.

Meanwhile, National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro revealed that the National Assembly Finance Committee is considering revisions to the clauses proposing higher taxes on bread and vegetable oils, the new motor vehicle circulation tax, and levies on internet and money transfer services.

The bill, sponsored by Molo MP Kimani Kuria, seeks to amend several laws, including the Income Tax Act, the Value Added Tax Act, the Excise Duty Act, the Tax Procedures Act, and the Miscellaneous Fees and Levies Act. Other targeted legislation includes the Affordable Housing Act, the Industrial Training Act, the Data Protection Act, the Public Finance Management Act, and the Kenya Revenue Authority Act.

During the public participation phase, which concluded on June 10, over 600 stakeholders presented their views to the Finance Committee, chaired by Kuria.

The Treasury aims to generate an additional Ksh.300 billion through the proposed taxes, despite opinion polls indicating that a significant majority of Kenyans are against the bill.