To generate around $1.2 billion, the Kenyan government intends to bring back several controversial taxes that were initially included in the heavily criticized finance bill.
This move follows intense public backlash and deadly protests that erupted across the nation earlier this year. The tax proposals were initially scrapped in June after violent demonstrations saw protesters storm parliament, leading to police firing live ammunition.
President William Ruto had cautioned that the country would face a significant funding gap after these tax hikes were abandoned.
Kenya's Finance Minister John Mbadi, currently one of the opposition leaders who recently joined a restructured cabinet, has revealed that the government is considering nearly 49 new tax initiatives.
Among these initiatives is the reintroduction of an "eco levy" aimed at curbing electronic and plastic waste.
At this point Kenya is grappling with approximately $80 million in domestic and external debt. The situation is critical, as failure to manage this debt could make future borrowing increasingly challenging for the country.
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