We will pass controversial Finance Bill – Juja MP insists
Kenya Kwanza Members of Parliament (MPs) will pass the controversial Finance Bill, 2023 unopposed earliest Tuesday morning, Juja MP George Koimburi now says.
Koimburi who defended President William Ruto as not having intimidated them to pass the bill said Kenya Kwanza parliamentarians are in agreement to okay the Bill for the economic transformation of the country.
The lawmaker said that the Bill, which has been widely castigated by the opposition, professionals and a section of civil servants is the only hope for Kenya's social-economic growth.
Speaking while overseeing the distribution of 230 bags of relief beans to hunger-stricken residents at Mirimaini village today, Koimburi said that contrary to critics’ claims that the Bill will impoverish the already struggling Kenyans while he claims it will turn around Kenya's economy for the better.
Through the Bill, the MP stated that millions of unemployed Kenyans will find jobs, especially in the housing sector which is set to employ thousands.
"Kenya Kwanza MPs have agreed to pass the Bill tomorrow and because we know even a section of the opposition team including Jubilee Party members will be on our side, the Bill will sail through early in the morning," Koimburi said.
"This Bill will help us fulfil the many promises we made to Kenyans including the creation of jobs, devolving development projects such as water, electricity and good roads," Koimburi claimed.
The MP also defended the controversial housing levy proposal that requires all salaried Kenyans to be taxed three per cent of their salaries to facilitate affordable housing. He said the initiative will go a long way in improving the livelihoods of millions of the downtrodden.
“The hustlers, including those living in informal settlements across the country, will be able to afford decent homes after we pass the Bill,” he said.
The three per cent housing levy has received sharp criticism from stakeholders who have been accusing the government of making sensitive decisions without involving them.
Juja residents however pleaded with the lawmakers to shoot down the Bill saying it will lead to the overtaxation of Kenyans who are already grappling with a myriad of challenges including the high cost of living.
"Majority of us cannot afford even food and that is why we came to receive relief food from our MP. If they pass the Bill, food items will be more expensive and our purchasing power will go down by far," Elias Kogi, a resident said.
Resident Lucy Gachoki however said that the Bill should be passed to enable the government to raise more taxes for the realization of development projects in the country.
