“The day you hear the whites speak of me in good terms, don’t share your secrets with me, because that means I would have betrayed you already.” ~ Samora Machel
In a move that seems more draconian than democratic, the Finance Bill 2024 has been introduced with an array of taxes that threaten to stifle Kenya’s socio-economic fabric.
The Ruto government’s latest attempt to bolster its revenue stream by implementing an eco-levy, among other morally dubious taxes, has provoked widespread ire and resistance from various quarters, including the Law Society of Kenya, industry stakeholders, and the general public.
The Finance Bill 2024 threatens to create an untenable economic environment, exacerbating poverty and inequality while eroding public trust in governance.
A Neocolonial Agenda?This bill raises the spectre of neocolonialism, as it appears to serve the interests of international financial institutions and the West rather than the Kenyan populace.
The IMF's endorsement of the bill underscores this concern. The IMF's statement statement below, delivered when the Kenya Association of Manufacturers engaged with the IMF Kenya Resident Representative, Selim Cakir (the final boss?), on the impacts of the Finance Bill, 2024, highlights the need for "A sizable and upfront fiscal adjustment in FY24/25 will be needed to correct the course. To this end, the authorities have taken decisive steps towards fiscal consolidation by introducing several measures in the context of the draft 2024/25 Budget and the 2024 Finance Bill," effectively dictating Kenya’s fiscal policies.
The involvement of global financial entities in drafting the bill suggests a broader agenda of economic subjugation, reminiscent of historical exploitation under colonial rule.
The backlash against William Ruto's Finance Bill 2024 is significant. The Law Society of Kenya and other stakeholders have voiced their apprehensions, calling for a reconsideration of the bill. They argue that the bill infringes upon the principles of the rule of law and fails to incorporate meaningful public participation. This resistance reflects a growing awareness among Kenyans of the need to protect their economic sovereignty and democratic rights.
The Real Cost of Compliance
The Finance Bill 2024 represents more than just a fiscal policy; it is a litmus test for Kenya’s future.
The implications of this bill are far-reaching, potentially crippling the economy and undermining the nation’s autonomy. It is imperative that Kenyans, policymakers, and civil society organisations scrutinise the motivations behind this bill and mobilise against its implementation.The narrative of neocolonial control through economic policies must be challenged, and William Ruto must prioritise the welfare of this country's citizens over the dictates of the West.
Colonialism is back like it never left. As the debate around the Finance Bill 2024 intensifies, it becomes clear that the fight is no longer about taxes but about the very soul of this nation. Will Kenya, under William Ruto, capitulate to external pressures, or will it rise to protect its sovereignty and economic future?
The answer lies in the collective action and resilience of its people.
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