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Public finance

MPs Honor Kenyans Who Lost Lives in Taxation-Related Protests

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Members of Parliament observed a moment of silence in remembrance of Kenyans who lost their lives during protests against government tax measures in 2023 and 2024. The tribute took place as National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi presented the 2025/2026 national budget, which aims to address Kenya's economic challenges while acknowledging the public outcry over taxation policies. Mbadi acknowledged the protests, including the controversial Finance Act, 2023, and the subsequent tax proposals, which resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of property. The government has since taken steps to address public concerns, including the presentation of the Finance Bill 2025, which makes no proposals for new taxes or increases in existing taxes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 2025/2026 national budget aims to address Kenya's economic challenges while acknowledging public outcry over taxation policies.
  • National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi acknowledged the protests that shook the nation in 2023 and 2024, resulting in the loss of lives and destruction of property.
  • The government has taken steps to address public concerns, including simplifying and streamlining tax laws to make them clearer and more accessible.
  • The Finance Bill 2025 presented as part of the 2025/2026 budget makes no proposals for new taxes or increases in existing taxes.
  • The government aims to enhance tax revenue collection through administrative reforms and rationalizing tax procedures.
  • National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi stressed that no life should be lost, and no property should be destroyed over tax measures in the future.
  • Speaker Moses Wetangula directed MPs to stand in honor of those who had died during the protests, particularly the Gen Zs who were active in the demonstrations.
  • The government has been committed to addressing public concerns, with Mbadi assuring Kenyans that he would strive to reduce the tax burden.

Statistics:

  • The protests that took place in response to the Finance Act, 2023, and subsequent tax proposals resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of property.
  • The Finance Act, 2023, was passed in the past two years, leading to widespread protests across the country.
  • The government has taken steps to address public concerns, including simplifying and streamlining tax laws.
  • The Finance Bill 2025 presented as part of the 2025/2026 budget has made no proposals for new taxes or increases in existing taxes.
  • The government aims to enhance tax revenue collection through administrative reforms, with a focus on creating a more transparent and accountable taxation system.

Sources:

  • Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), "MPs observe minute of silence for victims of taxation-related protests"
  • Standard Media, "Mbadi: No life should be lost, no property destroyed over tax measures"
  • Nation.co.ke, "Parliament observes minute of silence for victims of taxation-related protests"
  • The Star, "Mbadi presents 2025/2026 budget, pledges to reduce tax burden"

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