Kenyan Lawmakers Advance Controversial Finance Bill Despite Public Protests

In Kenya, a contentious finance bill has successfully passed its second reading in Parliament, sparking widespread protests among citizens, particularly the youth, who are already burdened by the high cost of living. Demonstrations have erupted in the streets of Nairobi, with activists and general citizens voicing strong opposition against the proposed tax increases. Despite the government making some concessions, such as removing the 16% tax on bread and the annual tax on car ownership, the dissent has continued to grow. Protesters, driven by a generation of Kenyans who are largely unemployed and facing escalating living costs, have expressed their determination to keep fighting against what they see as unfair taxation and government corruption.

• The finance bill has passed its second reading in Parliament, moving closer to becoming law, despite large-scale protests.
• Protesters, primarily young Kenyans, have taken to the streets in opposition, citing the unbearable cost of living and rampant unemployment.
• The government has been forced to drop some of the bill’s most controversial proposals, including a 16% tax on bread and an annual tax on car ownership.
• Despite concessions, opposition to the bill has spread nationwide, with calls for the President to resign.
• Lawmakers who supported the bill argue that the government needs revenue for a working budget, despite public outcry.
• Young people are particularly angered by the additional tax burden, highlighting increasing living costs, unemployment, and government corruption.
• There’s one more reading of the bill scheduled, after which, if passed, it will be signed into law by the President.
• Protesters have vowed to remain on the streets, with some threatening not to re-elect the President and those lawmakers who voted in favor of the bill.
• Online campaigns have begun sharing names and contact information of members of Parliament who supported the bill, signaling a potential political backlash.

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