Hi. The Finance Bill 2025 is out. TBH, it doesn`t favour US! But rather, them! Let`s join hands to REJECT it!!!

ABOUT THE FINANCE BILL 2025

The Finance Bill 2025 proposes a range of tax measures aimed at increasing government revenue, including removing VAT exemptions on essential goods like bread and sanitary products, granting the Kenya Revenue Authority access to personal financial data without a court order, scrapping tax incentives for affordable housing developers, and introducing stricter digital services taxation. Critics argue that these changes will raise the cost of living, reduce net salaries, infringe on privacy rights, burden businesses, and hinder economic growth—prompting widespread public outcry and calls for its rejection.

WHY YOU SHOULD REJECT IT

Increased Cost of Living

The bill proposes VAT on essential goods like bread and sanitary products, along with new digital and service taxes, which would raise the cost of basic necessities and utilities for ordinary citizens.

Invasion of Privacy

It allows the Kenya Revenue Authority to access individuals’ financial records without a court order, raising serious concerns about data protection and the erosion of constitutional privacy rights.

Threats to Jobs and Business Growth

The removal of tax incentives and the introduction of new levies increase operational costs for businesses, which could lead to job cuts, reduced investments, and slowed economic growth.

Undermining Affordable Housing and Salaries

By scrapping tax benefits for housing developers and introducing changes that reduce net salaries, the bill risks stalling affordable housing projects and worsening the financial strain on workers.

NOW REJECT THE BILL

You will reject the finance bill by sending the email via the form below. The email details are already typed for you but you are free to edit it as you see fit!

Your Name (it will be appended at the bottom of the message):

Your Email (feel free to use any email as long as it is valid):

Your Subject:

Your Message goes here:

Dear Official,

The above subject refers;

Following the invitation by the National Assembly to submit comments on the above, and recognizing the Sovereignty of the People and Supremacy of the Constitution as under Chapter 1 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, Rights and Fundamental Freedoms as provided under Chapter 4 of the Bill of Rights, Leadership and Integrity of State Officers as under Chapter 6, and the Role of the Legislature under Chapter 8:

Pursuant to Articles 10(2) and 118(1) of the Constitution 2010 that mandate Public Participation in any Legislative Process, I wish to submit my Memoranda as follows:

1. REJECTION OF SECTION A, PART I OF THE 1ST SCHEDULE OF THE VALUE ADDED TAX ACT

This amendment is incompatible with the economic and social rights guaranteed under Article 43 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010.
Removing zero-rated status from essential goods will increase the cost of living and disproportionately burden low-income households.
The agricultural sector, a key economic driver, will be negatively affected, harming Kenyan households that rely on agriculture for income.

2. REJECTION OF AMENDMENTS TO SECTIONS 2 & 5 OF THE EXCISE DUTY ACT

These amendments violate the non-discrimination protections under Article 27 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010.
Expanding digital lending tax to include services offered by non-resident persons over the internet will adversely affect Kenyans who depend on digital loans for essential expenses.
While aiming to create fair competition, these changes will increase borrowing costs, making credit less accessible and leading to financial exclusion for low and middle-income Kenyans.

3. REJECTION OF AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 59A OF THE TAX PROCEDURES ACT

The deletion of subsection 1B is unconstitutional as it infringes on the right to privacy guaranteed under Article 31 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010.
This amendment would grant the Commissioner unrestricted authority to access personal and private data, including M-Pesa financial records, without necessary safeguards.
There are inadequate protections against potential overreach by the Kenya Revenue Authority, creating a risk of unauthorized access to citizens' private financial information.

In conclusion, I call for the withdrawal of this Bill as it is made in Bad Faith, ignorant to the Current Economic Needs and Political Wills of the People of Kenya, will Entrench the Abuse of Power by the Revenue Authorities, is a Dubious Attempt to Sneak in Tyranny, Reinforce Poverty, Promote Marginalization, and ultimately Deny Kenyans the Transformative Agenda of Vision 2030.

I thus pray that you Reject it for the sake of a better Kenya.