Mps in parliament 

The Finance Bill 2024 has been officially rejected following widespread protests and intense debate across the country.

Parliament Votes to Reject the Bill

On Thursday afternoon, the National Assembly voted to support President William Ruto’s recommendations. The assembly agreed to delete all clauses of the Finance Bill 2024 in a Committee of the Whole House.

Legal Impact of the Vote

The parliament’s decision means that no provisions of the Finance Bill 2024 will have any legal effect. As a result, the bill is now considered null and void.

Speaker’s Statement on the Decision

The Speaker of the National Assembly clarified the implications of the vote. He stated, “The House has voted in agreement with the President’s reservations and recommendations. The Finance Bill 2024 has been rejected in its entirety.”

He further explained, “The Bill is lost. Strictly speaking, there is no Bill for the Speaker to present to the President for assent under Article 115(5) of the Constitution.”

Reactions from Parliament Leaders

During the session, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa discussed the consequences of rejecting the bill. He emphasized that the death of the Finance Bill 2024 would have serious repercussions. Specifically, any benefits proposed in the bill would be lost.

Loss of Proposed Tax Benefits

Ichung’wa highlighted key provisions that would no longer benefit Kenyans. He noted that the tax amnesty proposed in the bill would not be available. Similarly, the exemption from the eTIMS system would also be lost.

“If we were under ordinary circumstances, there might have been elements of the bill that we would have sought to save,” Ichung’wa said. However, with the bill’s rejection, these benefits are now unattainable.

The Process of Rejection

To negate the President’s recommendation, the parliament would have needed support from at least 233 Members. Since the required support was not met, the bill’s clauses were deleted.

Impact on Kenyan Citizens

The rejection of the Finance Bill 2024 impacts various sectors and individuals. The proposed tax amnesty would have provided significant relief to many Kenyans. Additionally, the eTIMS exemption was expected to ease administrative burdens for businesses.

Future Implications

The parliament’s decision marks a significant turning point. It underscores the power of legislative bodies in shaping fiscal policies. Additionally, it highlights the influence of public protests and presidential recommendations in the legislative process.

The Finance Bill 2024 is officially dead following the National Assembly’s vote. The rejection means that no provisions of the bill will take effect. The decision reflects a complex interplay of political recommendations, public opinion, and legislative authority.

For further details on the Finance Bill 2024 and its impact, visit the National Assembly’s official website.