President William Ruto on Thursday urged Members of Parliament to pass the contentious Finance Bill 2024 to secure funds for various educational projects. Speaking at Garissa University’s fifth graduation ceremony, Ruto highlighted that the bill, which aims to raise Sh346.7 billion through increased taxation, would enable the government to provide meals for students from low-income families.
Ruto emphasized the importance of school feeding programs to boost attendance and retention rates. “I am asking MPs to expedite the bill in Parliament so that we can make that facility available to vulnerable children who otherwise will be out of school unless there is a meal for them there,” he said. He also pointed out that the bill is crucial for transitioning intern teachers to permanent and pensionable positions.
Further, Ruto appealed to MPs to pass the bill to fund university student loans and scholarships, underscoring that “every child deserves a chance.” This appeal comes amid growing public outcry and proposed changes to the bill by the finance committee.
The National Treasury has warned Parliament that any amendments to the proposed finance law could create a Sh200 billion shortfall in the projected revenue for the Sh3.992 trillion 2024/2025 budget. In a letter dated June 19, Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u outlined which government departments would face budget cuts if the tax proposals are not approved.
Parliament began debating the bill on Thursday, with MPs set to discuss amendments next Tuesday during the committee of the whole house, known as the bill’s Third Reading. Legislators will then vote on the Finance Bill’s fate before June 30, ahead of the 2024/25 financial year starting on July 1.
In a surprising move, Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, also known as Jalang’o, announced his rejection of the Finance Bill 2024. Despite recent tensions with the opposition Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party and his perceived alignment with President Ruto, Jalang’o stated that the bill would negatively impact the lower class. He cited the bill’s effects on essential items like M-Pesa transactions, cars, and sanitary pads as key reasons for his opposition.
Jalang’o revealed that he had discussed his decision with President Ruto, who respected his stance. He noted the strong opposition from Generation Z, particularly those in his constituency, who have been vocal against the bill. “Out here is the Generation Z that I talk to every day; I interact with them on Twitter, TikTok, and everywhere…when most of you will have gone back to the villages, we will be with them here in Nairobi. Most of you know, I’m a friend to the President, I spoke to him and he knows very well that this is my stand,” Jalang’o said.
The Finance Bill 2024 remains a hot topic, with its approval or rejection poised to have significant implications for Kenya’s economy and its citizens.
