{"id":75588,"date":"2024-06-18T12:33:08","date_gmt":"2024-06-18T12:33:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.talkwithrattan.com\/index.php\/2024\/06\/18\/kenyans-protest-proposed-tax-hikes\/"},"modified":"2024-06-18T12:33:08","modified_gmt":"2024-06-18T12:33:08","slug":"kenyans-protest-proposed-tax-hikes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.talkwithrattan.com\/index.php\/2024\/06\/18\/kenyans-protest-proposed-tax-hikes\/","title":{"rendered":"Kenyans Protest Proposed Tax Hikes"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"text-align:center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1050\" height=\"550\" src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/06\/18\/multimedia\/18kenya-taxes-02-zljh\/18kenya-taxes-02-zljh-facebookJumbo.jpg?fit=1050,550&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Kenyans Protest Proposed Tax Hikes\" title=\"Kenyans Protest Proposed Tax Hikes\" \/><\/div><p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"css-53u6y8\">\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Hundreds of Kenyans flocked to the center of the capital, Nairobi, on Tuesday to protest a proposed finance bill that many fear will significantly raise their already-high cost of living by adding sweeping new taxes and increasing others on a wide range of goods and services.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Protesters wearing black T-shirts and blowing whistles and vuvuzelas gathered near the Parliament, adding to an outpouring of online anger trumpeted through hashtags and videos on TikTok. Lawmakers have also been flooded with phone calls and text messages pressuring them to reject the bill.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Police officers used tear gas and water cannons immediately after the protests began after noon local time. At least nine people were seen being detained near the Parliament and were put into police vans, and activists and <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/JamesKWaNjeri\/status\/1803004942321365307\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">lawyers<\/a> <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/JamesKWaNjeri\/status\/1803004942321365307\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">said<\/a> many <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/bonifacemwangi\/status\/1803004225498104067\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">more<\/a> were in <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/NjeriWaMigwi\/status\/1802990934604324922\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">police custody<\/a>. The police have not yet issued a statement on the number of arrests.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Businesses in the central business district closed their doors as police officers chased demonstrators and sirens rang through the streets.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"css-ew4tgv\" aria-label=\"companion column\"\/><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"css-53u6y8\">\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">The uproar over the legislation, which is aimed at raising more revenue, is among the most intense backlash against the government of <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2023\/11\/29\/world\/africa\/kenya-president-ruto.html\" title=\"\">President William Ruto<\/a>, who campaigned on a platform to <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2022\/09\/13\/world\/africa\/kenya-president-william-ruto-inauguration.html\" title=\"\">raise living standards for the poor<\/a> when he was elected in 2022.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">The protests come just weeks after Mr. Ruto returned from <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2024\/05\/22\/world\/africa\/kenya-president-ruto-washington-visit.html\" title=\"\">a state visit to the United States<\/a>, where he signed <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/www.whitehouse.gov\/briefing-room\/statements-releases\/2024\/05\/23\/united-states-kenya-joint-leaders-statement\/\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">several investment and development deals<\/a> with the Biden administration aimed at alleviating debt and sparking long-term growth.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">The fury over the tax measures in Kenya speaks to the <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2024\/06\/11\/world\/africa\/nigeria-economy-strike.html\" title=\"\">broader challenges facing African economies<\/a>, where unemployment and increasing food and fuel prices have made life increasingly difficult for many people, particularly the young.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">\u201cThe frustration has been building and now it\u2019s blowing up,\u201d said Hanifa Adan, a community worker who is among the organizers of the protests.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"css-ew4tgv\" aria-label=\"companion column\"\/><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"css-53u6y8\">\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">\u201cWe are calling and texting our lawmakers to tell them that your loyalty lies with us voters and we say no to this bill,\u201d she said. Ms. Adan said in a <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/Honeyfarsafi\/status\/1802971249355715066\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">post on social media<\/a> that the police had arrested her just before the protests began on Tuesday.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"css-ew4tgv\" aria-label=\"companion column\"\/><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"css-53u6y8\">\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">The bill, which was first presented in Parliament last month, introduces new taxes and levies that would increase the price of goods such as bread, diapers and cars. It also increases import duties for goods, and raises taxes on telephone and internet data as well as money transfer fees charged by banks and other financial services. It also raises taxes for companies and operators of digital businesses such as ride-hailing and food-delivery services.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">The bill is set to go through a second reading in Parliament on Tuesday, after which lawmakers would need to give it a third reading and approve it for presidential assent. Mr. Ruto\u2019s political alliance, which holds a majority in Parliament and the Senate, has the power to pass the bill into law.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Officials with the National Treasury have said the tax measures are critical for raising revenue and keeping borrowing limited in an economy encumbered by high debt.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">But activists, economists and <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/communications.amecea.org\/index.php\/2024\/06\/14\/kenya-catholic-bishops-in-kenya-decry-finance-bill-2024-appeal-revisions-to-protect-the-vulnerable\/\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">religious leaders<\/a> all say higher taxes could deter investment, stifle growth and make Kenya a less competitive destination in East Africa. They also say the plan would batter crucial industries like manufacturing, transportation and financial services.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"css-ew4tgv\" aria-label=\"companion column\"\/><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"css-53u6y8\">\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">\u201cThe conversation around settling debt and balancing that with economic growth is important in a country facing fiscal challenges like Kenya is today,\u201d said John Kinuthia, a senior program officer with the International Budget Partnership Kenya, a nonprofit.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">\u201cBut even as it looks for new resources, the government needs to be alive to the hue and cry that has come with these new measures and its impact, especially at the household level.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Mr. Ruto, a wealthy businessman who <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2022\/08\/15\/world\/africa\/william-ruto-profile-kenya.html\" title=\"\">grew up poor<\/a>, was elected on a platform of improving the economy for millions of Kenyans struggling to make a living. That has not happened, his critics say.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">His administration raised the cost of health insurance and pension contributions for salaried employees. It scrapped fuel subsidies, introduced a housing levy and raised electricity prices. The measures \u2014 exacerbated by a biting drought followed by destructive floods \u2014 led to job losses and <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/www.businessdailyafrica.com\/bd\/corporate\/companies\/34-plant-shutdowns-reveal-kenya-manufacturing-woes--4397890#:~:text=More%20than%2030%20manufacturing%20companies,imports%20on%20the%20local%20industry\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">factory closures<\/a>, according to experts.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">The spike in the cost of living also sparked demonstrations last year in which the police killed at least 57 people, <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amnesty.org\/en\/location\/africa\/east-africa-the-horn-and-great-lakes\/kenya\/report-kenya\/\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">according to rights groups<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"css-ew4tgv\" aria-label=\"companion column\"\/><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"css-53u6y8\">\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">\u201cIt\u2019s just been one pain after pain,\u201d said Catherine Mueni Mutuku, who owns a grocery store in the capital, Nairobi. Ms. Mutuku said she\u2019s been struggling to pay rent for her store and home while paying school fees for her child in high school.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">\u201cThe politicians have really pushed us,\u201d said Ms. Mutuku, who planned to attend the protest Tuesday. \u201cIt\u2019s like they aren\u2019t feeling our pain.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">As Mr. Ruto has raised taxes and cut back on spending, his government has been dogged by <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/africauncensored.online\/fertile-deception-1\/\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">major corruption scandals<\/a>. His <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2023\/11\/29\/world\/africa\/kenya-president-ruto.html\" title=\"\">global trips<\/a> and his <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/www.citizen.digital\/entertainment\/from-the-belt-to-the-shoe-five-times-president-ruto-has-been-spotted-wearing-super-expensive-items-n336700\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">penchant for expensive shoes and watches<\/a> have also drawn ire on social media. Many Kenyans call him \u201cZakayo,\u201d in reference to Zacchaeus, the biblical tax collector.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Yet through it all, Mr. Ruto, 57, has not only doubled down on his moves but also promised to increase taxes over the next few years. \u201cI am not going to preside over a bankrupt country,\u201d he <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=4fXitUErm40\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">said<\/a> last month. \u201cWe have to begin to live within our means.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Over the past few days, Kenyans have been <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/Honeyfarsafi\/status\/1801127690033864732\/photo\/1\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">sharing the contacts<\/a> of their lawmakers online and asking constituents to <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/nation.africa\/kenya\/business\/-findmymp-kenyans-call-text-mps-to-reject-kenya-s-finance-bill-2024-4656628\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">push them to reject the bill<\/a>. Lawmakers say they have been inundated with <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/SamuelAtandi\/status\/1801235804603228550\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">messages and calls<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"css-ew4tgv\" aria-label=\"companion column\"\/><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"css-53u6y8\">\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Ms. Adan, the protest organizer, said people of all political and economic stripes were united against the bill, showing how dire the situation was across the country.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">\u201cRuto and his policies have turned everyone into an activist,\u201d she said. \u201cThis is not just a poor people\u2019s protest. This is everyone\u2019s protest.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"css-ew4tgv\" aria-label=\"companion column\"\/><\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2024\/06\/18\/world\/africa\/kenya-protests-proposed-tax-hikes.html\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hundreds of Kenyans flocked to the center of the capital, Nairobi, on Tuesday to protest a proposed finance bill that many fear will significantly raise their already-high cost of living by adding sweeping new taxes and increasing others on a wide range of goods and services. Protesters wearing black T-shirts and blowing whistles and vuvuzelas [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":75589,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/06\/18\/multimedia\/18kenya-taxes-02-zljh\/18kenya-taxes-02-zljh-facebookJumbo.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[5397,68676,30135,9724,301],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.talkwithrattan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/75588"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.talkwithrattan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.talkwithrattan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.talkwithrattan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.talkwithrattan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=75588"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/news.talkwithrattan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/75588\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":75590,"href":"https:\/\/news.talkwithrattan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/75588\/revisions\/75590"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.talkwithrattan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/75589"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.talkwithrattan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=75588"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.talkwithrattan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=75588"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.talkwithrattan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=75588"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}