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The Kenya Women Parliamentarians (KEWOPA) has shared its views on the Finance Bill, presenting recommendations to the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning. In their submission, KEWOPA highlighted concerns regarding proposed taxation measures that could disproportionately affect essential services and place an undue burden on poor and vulnerable households.
Led by Deputy Chair Hon. Beatrice Elachi, Senator Gloria Orwoba, and Executive Director Mercy Shiro Mwangi, KEWOPA emphasized the need to avoid increasing the tax burden on low-income earners.
KEWOPA called for the scrapping of the motor vehicle tax, arguing that it would place an undue burden on vehicle owners and Kenyan citizens. They also stressed the importance of keeping essential goods like bread, flour, and milk zero-rated. These items are vital for low-income households, schools, and other facilities that rely on them, and taxing them would only increase the financial strain on households.
Furthermore, KEWOPA urged the committee to maintain the excise duty on internet data and mobile money transfer services at 15 percent instead of raising it to 20 percent. This measure would help keep data costs affordable for key populations, such as young people who earn a living from the digital economy.
Additionally, KEWOPA recommended revising the Eco Levy to reduce costs for essential items like diapers and sanitary towels. This adjustment would ease the financial burden on low-income households, particularly benefiting women and girls.
