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| President Ruto |
The protestors, who were primarily self-mobilised through social media hashtags such as #RejectFinanceBill2024 and #OccupyParliament have ignited a whole new wave of civic awareness never witnessed in Kenya before, with zero political interference, involving a clique of young people who have never been into political activities before and who no one appears able and ready to contain. Which taxes are Kenyans opposed to? Among the taxes that have caused uproar include the proposed Motor Vehicle Tax, a tax on revenue from online content creation, a tax on bread, and the Eco Tax. Yet, as the laudable citizen activism continues to gain momentum in various parts of the country, one key stakeholder remains forgotten in the entire debate; the Kenyan farmer who puts food on the table for the republic. The wide-ranging proposals contained in the Finance Bill 2024, which no one appears to be talking about, will make the Kenyan farmer one of the biggest losers. Most notably, the bill contains proposals to move agricultural inputs such as micronutrients, foliar feeds, and bio-stimulants from zero-rated to exempt status, which will negatively affect farmers. Agricultural pest control products are also not spared. This will increase the cost of agricultural inputs by at least 16%, but no one is talking about it. The much-hyped enrollment of farmers into the KRA’s ETIMS, which has been ongoing for some time now, also appears to have been preparing the ground for punitive taxation contained in the Finance Bill 2024. When the tax amendments start hitting the farmers, they will realise their mistake, but unfortunately, it will be too late. They will have nowhere to run to. Some crucial agricultural sub-sectors are also headed for very tough times. Take, for instance, wheat farmers. Already, locally produced wheat has no buyers since its production has skyrocketed, and manufacturers are currently unable to absorb all of it. Yet, in the Finance Bill 2024, the government proposes zero excise duty on imported wheat, despite wheat prices having significantly dropped internationally. Remember, locally grown wheat is going to be subject to input tax through the manufacture of fertilisers, fungicides, and other farm inputs. Will the local wheat farmer survive in such an environment? We have not even looked at tea farmers, who are set to feel a proper pinch as tea packaging materials face the taxman. Technically, no farmer is safe! When he was campaigning and since he took the oath of office, President William Ruto has always fashioned himself as a champion of farmers’ interests and even showcased his own farming ventures, begging the question: Was all that for the cameras? Does Ruto really care about farmers or are his statements and actions mere P.R. gimmicks? Just who will fight for the forgotten Kenyan farmer who sacrifices all to feed the republic?
by Amos Khaemba