According to a survey conducted by the Centre for Fiscal Affairs (CFA) and Twaweza, at least 75% of Kenyans have voiced their strong opposition to the Finance Bill 2023.
83.8% of respondents to an online survey that was held between May 19 and June 6, 2023, voiced their displeasure with the absence of citizen input into the development of the Finance Bill.
Exempting LPG gas from the VAT (67% support) and lowering the excise on bank money transfers from 20% to 15% (68% support) were the adjustments that Kenyans preferred.
Additionally, respondents (68% support) were in favor of reducing the excise duty on data bundles from 20% of the excisable value to 15%.
Alternatives offered by Kenyans on revenue generation include: addressing corruption, reducing wastage in government, broadening the tax base by simplifying tax laws, targeting untapped sources and strengthening tax administration.
Kenyans also called for transparency in order to help build trust between citizens and government institutions.
Following this, Members of the National Assembly have been urged to make an informed vote on the Bill taking into consideration the views of the citizens.
25,966 people were polled in the online survey by Twaweza East Africa and the Centre for Fiscal Affairs; conducted between May 19 and June 6 2023.
