GOVERNOR MUTULA KILONZO JR. WITHDRAWS MAKUENI COUNTY FINANCE BILL 2024
Makueni County Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. made a decisive announcement on June 30, indicating the full withdrawal of the Finance Bill amidst escalating public discontent. This decision closely followed a nationwide precedent set by President William Ruto, who similarly retracted proposed legislation in response to widespread protests across the country.
Governor Mutula cited intelligence revealing planned protests within Makueni County as a primary factor influencing his administration’s reversal on the Finance Bill. The contentious bill had attracted national scrutiny due to its provisions introducing new daily and monthly taxes aimed at hawkers, small businesses, and vendors within the county.
Addressing the media, Governor Mutula clarified, “Regarding the Finance Bill, the proposals brought forth by the finance department were collectively shelved during our cabinet deliberations.” He attributed this decision to prevailing harsh economic conditions, advocating for the retention of last year’s tax rates as a more feasible approach in the current fiscal climate.
Moreover, in a move to alleviate financial burdens on local businesses, Mutula announced tax reductions for shop owners in specific regions and implemented a flexible installment payment option for tax obligations. These measures were part of a broader strategy to mitigate economic pressures on the county’s commercial sector.
Acknowledging the public outcry and tensions sparked by initial reports of punitive taxation, Governor Mutula emphasized the importance of dialogue with affected traders. He reassured the community that earlier proposed measures, such as market entrance fees, would not be enforced moving forward, thereby alleviating immediate concerns among local businesses.
Highlighting Makueni County’s fiscal achievements, Mutula celebrated a significant milestone, noting that the county had achieved a record-high Own Source Revenue surpassing Ksh1 billion in the 2023/2024 financial year. This achievement underscored the county’s financial resilience and capacity to mobilize resources, despite the challenges posed by economic uncertainties.
