Azimio la Umoja One Kenya, led by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, has warned Kenyans to brace themselves for additional taxes while expressing dissatisfaction with the 2023 budget policy statement (BPS).
The Azimio principals criticized the 2024 budget policy statement, stating that it would only prolong the suffering of Kenyans and result in double taxation.
“Our stance is that the economic proposals, policies, and strategies are fundamentally flawed and unattainable. As we’ve consistently asserted, this administration is beyond redemption,” Kalonzo stated.
While addressing a gathering at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation in Nairobi, Azimio leaders dismissed the idea of resuming street protests against the heightened taxation, stating that Kenyans had already demonstrated their grievances.
“Kenyans took to the streets, leading to the formation of the National Dialogue Committee, and its report is now in Parliament. What more can we ask of Kenyans other than to assure them that we have taken sufficient action? However, if their concerns continue to be ignored, there will be repercussions because Kenyans must assert their rights,” Kalonzo emphasized.
The upcoming fiscal year is expected to see heightened taxation efforts by the government, as indicated in the policy statement. Azimio la Umoja claimed that the budget policy suggests a significant increase in taxation, with an estimated additional revenue collection of Sh324 billion between the current and next financial year.
This raises concerns about where these extra billions will be sourced from. “Kenyans must prepare to face additional financial burdens as the current administration plans to implement a second wave of taxes. We are committed to rejecting any further taxation imposed by this regime,” stated Kalonzo.
He further elaborated, stating, “For ordinary Kenyans, including small-scale traders, motorcycle taxi operators, and construction workers, the government’s plan entails a double taxation scheme, amounting to approximately Sh27,000 in taxes per adult Kenyan.”
By Newshub