A recent survey conducted by the Centre for Fiscal Affairs (CFA) and Twaweza has revealed that at least 75% of Kenyans are strongly opposed to the Finance Bill 2023. The online survey, which took place between May 19 and June 6, 2023, highlighted the discontent among citizens regarding the lack of their participation in shaping the bill.
Among the key findings of the survey, an overwhelming 83.8% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the limited citizen involvement in the formulation of the Finance Bill. This sentiment highlights the desire of Kenyans to have a more inclusive and participatory decision-making process when it comes to matters of national finance.
Despite the overall opposition, there were specific amendments within the Finance Bill that received significant support from Kenyans. These include exempting LPG gas from Value Added Tax (VAT), with 67% of respondents showing their backing for this change.
Additionally, reducing the excise duty on bank money transfers from 20% to 15% garnered 68% support. Similarly, respondents favored the lowering of excise duty on data bundles to 15% from 20%, with 68% expressing their approval.
The survey also shed light on the alternative revenue generation strategies suggested by Kenyans. Addressing corruption, reducing government wastage, simplifying tax laws to broaden the tax base, tapping into untapped sources, and strengthening tax administration were among the proposed solutions put forward by the respondents. This demonstrates a keen interest among Kenyans in ensuring a fair and efficient system of revenue generation.
Transparency emerged as another key theme in the survey. Kenyans called for greater transparency in government institutions, emphasizing the importance of building trust between citizens and the government. This demand for transparency reflects the desire for more open and accountable governance, where citizens have access to information and can hold institutions accountable.
In light of the survey results, Members of the National Assembly have been urged to make an informed vote on the Finance Bill, considering the views and concerns of the citizens they represent. The survey, which polled 25,966 people online, serves as a reminder that the voices and opinions of the public should be taken into account when making decisions that impact the nation’s finances.
As the discussions on the Finance Bill continue, it remains to be seen how policymakers will respond to the widespread opposition and the specific recommendations put forth by the survey respondents. The results of this survey highlight the importance of citizen participation and the need for a more inclusive approach in shaping financial policies that affect the lives of all Kenyans.
