Dear Fellow Kenyans,

The Finance Bill 2024 proposes numerous new taxes and increased rates on essential goods and services, which will significantly raise the cost of living for all Kenyans. This petition urges our lawmakers to reject these unfair tax increases and seek more equitable solutions to address the nation's fiscal challenges.

Personal Story.

As a university student in Nairobi, I have already been struggling with the rising costs of goods and services. My family depends on every shilling we earn, and any additional tax burden could be devastating. Women are the majority in this country and they need sanitary towels every month. The proposed tax on sanitary pads means that many families like mine might have to make difficult choices between essential hygiene products and other basic needs.

Key Issues with the Finance Bill 2024.

1. Tax on Sanitary Pads:
   - The bill proposes a new tax on sanitary pads, making them even more expensive for millions of women and girls. This move is particularly insensitive, considering that many already struggle with access to affordable menstrual hygiene products.

2. Tax on M-pesa Transactions:
   - The bill includes a 40 KShs tax on every 100 KShs M-pesa transaction. For many Kenyans, especially in rural areas, M-pesa is a lifeline for financial transactions. This tax will disproportionately affect low-income earners who rely on mobile money for daily transactions.

3. Tax on Basic Necessities:
   - Items like bread and milk, which are staples in every household, will also see increased taxes. For instance, the VAT on bread will be shifted from zero-rating to 16%, making it more expensive for families already struggling to make ends meet.

4. Extravagant Expenditures:
   - While the government proposes these new taxes, there are plans to spend millions on non-essential items. For example, millions of shillings are allocated for unnecessary medals and renovating the Deputy President's house, expenditures that seem out of touch with the economic hardships faced by ordinary Kenyans.

 Impact on Kenyans

The cumulative effect of these taxes will be devastating for many households. The increased cost of basic necessities like bread, milk, and sanitary pads will push more families into poverty. The tax on M-pesa transactions will discourage the use of mobile money, further isolating those in remote areas from essential financial services.

Call to Action.

We urge our lawmakers to reject the Finance Bill 2024 in its current form. Instead, we call for a more balanced approach that does not disproportionately burden the already struggling Kenyan population. We need policies that support economic growth without sacrificing the well-being of our citizens.

Sign this petition to stand with us against these unfair tax increases. Together, we can make our voices heard and demand a fairer, more just approach to fiscal policy in Kenya.

Thank you for your support.