Rift Valley Leaders Rally Support for Finance Bill 2024 Amid Economic Strain

By Odilia Jepkirui

In a unified stance, a delegation of Rift Valley leaders, spearheaded by Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, has voiced robust endorsement for the Finance Bill 2024, despite acknowledging the economic hardships faced by Kenyans.

Addressing concerns during a gathering at the Africa Inland Church Kenya in Nandi, Koskei emphasized the critical need to ensure transparency in the utilization of funds derived from the bill. “When it passes, the government must make sure that the taxes collected through the Finance Bill will not be stolen by anyone,” Koskei affirmed.

Aldai Constituency Member of Parliament Maryanne Keitany echoed the sentiment, confirming the bill’s inevitable passage through Parliament. “We know life is hard, the economy is bad. When that budget comes to the National Assembly, we will pass it and continue supporting the president,” Keitany assured.

Mosop MP Abraham Kirwa outlined the rationale behind supporting the bill, citing the necessity to meet the financial demands of a budget totaling Ksh 3.9 trillion. “To raise that money, we have to pass the Finance Bill so that we have money to move the nation forward,” Kirwa reasoned.

Furthermore, Kirwa indicated that the increased budget has prompted President William Ruto to expand the tax base as part of his Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

The leaders’ unified stance underscores the government’s prioritization of the Finance Bill 2024 despite its contentious nature and the prevailing economic challenges faced by Kenyans.