The Kenyan National Assembly has returned from a three-week recess, with the contentious Finance Bill 2024 at the forefront of their agenda.
Speaker Moses Wetangula, in a press conference on Monday, July 22nd, stated that the bill, which was recently declined by President William Ruto, will be a central topic of discussion in the House.
“The President sent back the Finance Bill 2024 with a memorandum, rejecting all its clauses. Under our Standing Orders, any member who wishes to overturn this memorandum must secure a two-thirds majority in the House. We will place the memorandum before the House for consideration,” Wetangula said.
The Speaker also clarified that there is no legal requirement for the bill to become operational within 14 days of its rejection, stating, “It is not true, and we have no legal or constitutional basis for such a claim.”
Alongside the Finance Bill, the government has introduced a supplementary budget as part of ongoing austerity measures.
The supplementary budget has been forwarded to the Budget and Appropriations Committee, which is expected to conclude sector hearings by Tuesday, July 22nd.
“The report on the supplementary budget will also be presented on the floor of the House,” Wetangula noted.
The Division of Revenue Bill is also on the House’s agenda, with Wetangula stating, “Given the shrinking fiscal space, the President has indicated that both levels of government must accept reductions in their revenue allocations.”
President Ruto’s rejection of the Finance Bill 2024 came following widespread public protests.
In a televised address on June 26th, Ruto expressed his gratitude to the MPs who voted for the amended bill, but acknowledged the public’s dissent, stating, “Listening keenly to the people of Kenya who have said loudly that they want nothing to do with this Finance Bill 2024, I concede, and therefore I will not sign the 2024 Finance Bill and it shall subsequently be withdrawn.”
Ruto also announced immediate austerity measures across government departments, starting with the Office of the President.
These measures include cuts to operational expenses, travel, hospitality, vehicle purchases, and renovations.
“Working with the Treasury, we will undertake budget cuts and austerity measures to ensure we live within our means, respecting the clear message from the people of Kenya,” said President Ruto.
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