Why Kenya’s finance bill has sparked outrage and protests

Kenyans are gearing up for country-wide protests against a new finance bill on Tuesday, despite the government agreeing to scrap some provisions in the draft law, such as taxes on bread, cars, cooking oil and sanitary towels.

The Finance Bill 2024, which proposes increased levies on a wide range of products and services, is being debated in the Kenyan parliament and lawmakers are expected to vote on it on Tuesday.

But the bill has faced widespread criticism from a public already overburdened by the high cost of living.

Campaigners, largely made up of Gen Z and millennials, say the government’s removal of some taxes does not go far enough and are demanding the entire bill be scrapped.

Here’s what you need to know about why the bill has stirred so much outrage in one of Africa's most vibrant economies.

What is the finance bill

The bill is part of Kenya’s 2024/25 budget and proposes tax hikes on various goods and services as a means to increase government revenues.

Provisions in the bill includes imposing 16% VAT on bread as well as tax hikes on mobile money transfers and a new annual 2.5% tax on cars.

The bill also proposes an eco-tax on products that are considered harmful to the environment – such as packaging, plastics and tyres – and would increase...

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