An uproar is going on in the African country Kenya (Kenya Protests) regarding the new tax bill. Thousands of people took to the streets on Tuesday to protest against President William Ruto. Most of the protestors are young people. Enraged protesters set fire to Parliament. The mob also set fire to a mall. According to the report of the news agency ‘Reuters’, 13 people have lost their lives so far in the violent protests. Around 31 people are said to be injured.
The increase in various taxes and tariffs in the government’s new tax bill has angered Kenyans. A large number of those driving the opposition are from Generation Z. Gen Z are people who were born between the late 1990s and early 2010s. This generation understands and can explain digital skills and social activism. He is the one who created this grassroots movement. Kenyan youth are increasingly using digital media to organize protests and voice their opposition to the government.
What do the experts say?
Digital media and activism expert Job Mwaura says, “With the current protests, we are seeing how activists can be innovative when using digital media.”
AI is also being used for movement
Young people are also using artificial intelligence (AI) to protest in Kenya. AI is being used to create such photos, songs and videos, which will convey the message of the movement to people in simple language, which will also have a strong impact.
They are also giving messages to people through TikTok and X
According to the report, youths are using social media platforms like ‘TikTok’ and ‘X’ to share videos of people explaining the tax bill in various Kenyan dialects.
What is the bill that caused the uproar?
The Kenya Finance Bill 2024 was introduced in Kenya in May. Products ranging from bread, cancer treatment, cooking oil, baby diapers to sanitary pads, motor vehicles, solar equipment and digital services are proposed to be heavily taxed. It proposes 16% sales tax on bread, 25% tax on cooking oil, 2.5% VAT on motor vehicles and 3% import duty.
What is the government’s stance on the bill?
The majority of MPs present in the Kenyan parliament are in support of this bill. He believes that this is necessary to complete government work. The government will be able to build roads in the country and hire teachers in schools through the revenue generated from the revenue increase. Also farmers can get subsidy for fertilizer. It will also reduce the debt burden on the country. During the voting on the bill on Tuesday, 106 out of 195 MPs voted in favor of it. After this, the demonstrations became intense. An angry mob set parliament on fire while MPs were debating the bill.
Why is the bill being opposed?
Kenyans say the new law will make even essential items like eggs, onions and cooking oil more expensive. The government is also increasing taxes on goods and services. If the bill is implemented, it will become difficult for common people to get even two meals a day.
Includes environmental fees
According to the bill, products that harm the environment in any way will be taxed. The scope of this tax includes digital products including mobile phones, cameras and recording equipment. The bill proposes to increase taxes on sanitary pads and baby diapers. The bill proposes to increase the rate of import tax from 2.5 percent of the value of the goods to 3 percent.
Why is the government increasing the tax so much?
In the tax bill, the Kenyan government aims to raise $2.7 billion through additional taxes to reduce the budget deficit and borrowing. Kenya’s public debt is 68% of gross domestic product (Kenya GDP).
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Amid protests, the government withdrew some of the bill’s proposals
Meanwhile, the government has withdrawn some of the controversial proposals after growing violent protests in the country, but protesters want the entire bill scrapped. The agitators have also accused the government of not utilizing government funds properly. The angry people have also demanded the resignation of President Ruto.
An advisory has been issued for Indians living in Kenya
Between 80 thousand and 1 lakh Indians live in Kenya. Amid violent protests, the High Commission has issued an advisory for Indians. On behalf of the Indian Embassy, Indians have been asked not to step out of their homes unnecessarily and stay away from places of violence. Also keep in touch with the embassy.
Interior Minister of Pakistan said- Journalist Arshad Sharif was killed in Kenya.