The Kenya Finance Bill 2023 is an unfair and regressive legislation that favors the wealthy and corporations at the expense of the working-class and poor majority. It fails to implement progressive taxation, placing an undue burden on those who can least afford it while failing to adequately tax the wealthy. For example, the proposed increase in tax on kerosene, a basic commodity used by many poor Kenyans for cooking and lighting, will hit the vulnerable hardest.

The Communist Party of Kenya proposes several steps to improve the bill. Firstly, the inheritance tax should be increased to redistribute wealth and prevent the concentration of wealth among a few families. Secondly, the corporate tax rate should be significantly increased to ensure that corporations pay their fair share and contribute to the common good. Thirdly, basic commodities such as kerosene should be exempt from taxation, while luxury goods and services should be taxed more heavily. Fourthly, a land tax on big landlords can help reduce wealth inequality and generate revenue for the government.

Moreover, the proposed increase in tax on mobile money transfers is a direct attack on the poor, who heavily rely on this service. The tax should be abolished, and alternative revenue sources explored. We urge the Kenyan parliament to consider our proposals and take action to protect the interests of the common people.

The Communist Party of Kenya believes that budgeted funds should be directed towards pro-people services like healthcare and food security instead of servicing illegitimate debts or paying hefty perks for government bureaucrats. A fair and just taxation system that adequately taxes the wealthy and corporations is essential to building a more just and equitable society.

We call on all progressive forces to unite against the Kenya Finance Bill 2023 and demand a fair and just taxation system that prioritizes the needs of the poor and marginalized. The Kenya Kwanza administration must listen to the voices of the people and amend the Finance Bill 2023 accordingly. Failure to do so will only deepen the poverty and inequality that already exists in our society.

It's time for the government to prioritize the needs of the people over the interests of the wealthy few. The Kenya Finance Bill 2023 must be amended to reflect this priority.

Booker Ngesa Omole 

The National Vice Chairperson and National Organizing Committee of the Central Organizing Committee of the Communist Party of Kenya