Chairman of Vijana Na Kazi UDA Defends Finance Bill 2023, Urges Legislators to Prioritize Youth Employment
UDA Vijana Na Kazi National Chairman David Maina has passionately defended President William Ruto’s Finance Bill 2023, emphasizing the urgent need for legislators to pass it and address the looming unemployment crisis.
In a statement directed at Members of the National Assembly, Maina, a prominent voice in the ruling party UDA, urged their support for the bill, which includes essential tax cuts aimed at lowering the cost of living and fostering a conducive business environment in Kenya.
Highlighting the significance of the bill, Maina stated.
“The bill takes the dangers associated with Kenya’s youth bulge off the table. By providing employment opportunities to the youth, who make up more than 75% of the population, we can mitigate the risks of political instability, expand the tax base, and foster economic growth from the bottom up.” said Maina.
However, the Finance Bill has encountered strong opposition from the Azimio coalition, who have threatened to take to the streets in protest if the bill passes unaltered. Opponents of the bill argue that it unfairly burdens salaried Kenyans, particularly through the introduction of the 3% housing levy.
Responding to these concerns, Maina acknowledged that certain provisions in the bill might create temporary challenges for Kenyans.
Nevertheless, he drew a parallel to the struggles faced by previous generations, highlighting the sacrifices made by freedom fighters during the struggle for independence. He urged citizens to view the bill as an opportunity to rebuild Kenya into a more inclusive and equitable nation that leaves no one behind.
During his remarks, Maina touted several positive aspects of the legislation, including the creation of millions of jobs for the youth, as outlined in the Kenya Kwanza youth charter. He also highlighted subsidies for tea farmers, tax cuts for landlords that would lead to lower rent prices, protection for local manufacturing, and strategic allocation of funds to strengthen value chains.
Expressing confidence in the bill’s success, Maina stated, “This is a good, strong, and people-centered bill that the majority, if not all, of the Kenya Kwanza legislators will vote for. With the support of like-minded members across the aisle, I expect the bill to pass.”he noted.
As the debate surrounding the Finance Bill 2023 intensifies, Senator Omkiya Omtatah has already filed a petition against the bill. Recognizing the urgency of the matter, Justice Hedwig Ongúndi has stated that the petition should be given priority in the legal proceedings.
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