Ruto moves to reinstate controversial taxes that caused Kenya’s deadly protests
President William Ruto of Kenya has moved to reinstate controversial taxes that were removed after deadly protests in the country.
The reinstated finance bill aims to raise almost $1.2 billion.
Kenya’s finance minister, John Mbadu, disclosed that the government was considering approximately 49 tax measures to raise about 150 billion shillings ($1.2 billion).
The decision to reinstate the taxes came after Mr Ruto warned of a funding shortfall caused by dropping the tax hikes in June, following violent protests in Nairobi.
The reintroduced measures include an “eco levy” on electronic items and plastic packaging to address environmental damage.
Mr Ruto’s government also expanded the cabinet to include opposition leaders in an effort to address protesters’ concerns.
The deadly protests led to government spending cuts and increased borrowing to cover the budget gap.
The new tax measures were expected to be implemented by the end of September.
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