National Assembly · Afternoon Sitting
Wednesday, 14 June 2023
The debate centred on the Finance Bill, with opposition members warning that increases to the fuel levy, a proposed VAT on exports, and a lower turnover‑tax threshold would burden households, farmers and women‑run micro‑enterprises, especially in western Kenya. Pro‑government speakers countered that broader taxation is needed to fund essential services, infrastructure, health care and a housing levy, arguing that the revenue will support long‑term development. The exchange highlighted a clear split between concerns over immediate economic strain and arguments for future equity and public investment. The session saw Hon. Kuria Kimani correcting misinformation about tax proposals, outlining reforms such as removing wig taxes, adjusting deposit, digital content and turnover‑tax thresholds, and addressing tax loopholes used by chamas. Procedural disputes arose, with the Speaker repeatedly restoring order, members requesting visual access to the Finance Committee chair, and instructions on voting conduct. While tension and loud consultations marked the debate, substantive policy discussion on tax reforms was also presented. The debate focused on the Finance Bill 2023, highlighting its three pillars: revenue generation, tax incentives, and improved tax administration, while members contested misinformation surrounding its provisions. Speakers defended tax reductions such as the rental income rate, discussed the contentious housing levy and its constitutional basis, and emphasized the need for manufacturing incentives amid a broader economic crisis. The exchange combined supportive remarks with sharp criticism, reflecting a mixed tone.
Members, we have Quorum. Clerks-at-the-Table, let us proceed.
Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I rise to present Petition No. 31 of 2023. I, the undersigned, draw the attention of the House to the following: THAT, the Tana Delta Irrigation Project was initiated by the Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority (TARDA) to enhance quality of life through sustainable utilisation, environmental protection, food security and revenue generation in the Lower Tana River Ba…
Therefore, your humble Petitioner prays that the National Assembly, through the Public Petitions Committee:
Hon. Wario, the two Petitions are committed to the Public Petitions Committee. Because of the debate before us, I will forego the need for any comments. We will leave the Committee to deal with those two petitions. Next Order.
Leader of the Majority Party.
Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table:
Thank you, Leader of the Majority Party. Chairperson of the
Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table: Report of the Select Committee on Delegated Legislation on its consideration of the Statutory Instruments (Amendment) Bill, National Assembly Bill No.2 of 2023. I thank you, Hon. Speaker.
Thank you. Member of the Kenyan Parliament Delegation, I do not know to where, Hon. John Kiarie. Hon. John Kiarie, that must be the Delegation to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) .
[(Hon. Speaker consulted with the Clerk-at-the-Table)]
Thank you very much, Hon. Speaker, for giving me this opportunity. I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table: Report of the 146th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and related meetings that were held in Manama in the Kingdom of Bahrain from the 11th to the 15th of March
Thank you, Hon. Kiarie. Next Order. Hon. Kiarie.
Hon. Speaker, I beg to give notice of the following Motion: THAT, this House notes the Report of the 146th Assembly of the Inter- Parliamentary Union (IPU) and related meetings that were held in Manama in the Kingdom of Bahrain from 11th to 15th of March 2023, laid on the Table of the House on Wednesday, 14th June 2023. Thank you very much, Hon. Speaker.
Thank you. Next Order.
Second Reading
Hon. Members, the House stands adjourned until tomorrow 15th June 2023 at 2.30 p.m.
Take note that from 3.00 p.m. the Cabinet Secretary, National Treasury and Economic Planning will be in the Chamber to be given an opportunity to give highlights to the Budget of the 2023/2024 Financial Year. The House is adjourned. The House rose at 7.42 p.m.
Published by Clerk of the National Assembly Parliament Buildings Nairobi