Proposed Finance Bill meant to stabilise economy – Mvurya

Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has strongly supported the proposed Finance Bill 2023. 

Mvurya refuted claims by opposition and some rights NGOs that the proposed bill seeks to drain Kenyans and put them in abject poverty.

The CS said the bill is meant to improve the lives of citizens and stabilize the country's economy.

"A few months ago, our economy was in a very pathetic condition. That's why the President and his Cabinet drafted the bill to fix financial problems and cushion Kenyans," he said.

He spoke on Thursday in an interview after chairing a graduation ceremony at Ukunda Vocational Training Centre in Kwale.

The youth graduated from Maritime security, Maritime logistics, vessel repair, Tourism and hospitality among other courses.

Mvurya said the proposed finance bill has a lot of benefits to citizens since it proposes scrapping off and reduction of some taxes that were burdening taxpayers.

He said Kenyans should take time to go through the bill instead of blindly following some politicians who have their interests.

The CS said it is sad that many people are opposing the bill because they heard some leaders talking but had never taken the personal initiative to read and understand it.

Mvurya said rather than creating tension people should use their constitutional rights to make some recommendations to where they see the bill unfit.

"Our constitution allows public participation so that citizens can have a chance of communicating their opinions and possible solutions," he said.

The CS said the proposed finance bill is part of the Kenya Kwanza government's efforts to transform the economy and improve the lives of common mwananchi but not to add more suffering.

He said President William Ruto is focused on lowering the cost of living and relieving citizens from the burden of huge debts. 

Mvurya said the government's plans of offering farmers cheap and affordable fertilisers is to improve the agricultural sector and food security.

He said Ruto is also working on strengthening international relationships and entering into partnerships for investments and job creation.

"The President is trying to bring investors from Germany, Singapore and other countries to come and invest in Kenya to create employment opportunities for our youth and grow the economy," he said.

He advised residents to support the government to achieve better development agenda adding that the bill has no harm for Kenyans but brings a lot of goodies for them.

Recently, the coastal rights groups had pitched camp in Ukunda to criticize the proposed finance bill.

The rights defenders said the bill will increase the sufferings of already exhausted Kenyans.

The NGOs threatened a mass protest and court battle.