A feminist perspective on Kenya’s Finance Bill 2024
Kenyan youth spearheaded a second wave of nationwide protests against the controversial Finance Bill of 2024. This generation, primarily comprised of Gen Z, is finding its political voice, demanding accountability from leaders who seem to have forgotten campaign promises made in 2022.
Despite widespread public outcry, parliament passed the bill, with 204 members advocating for its potential to address national debt and bolster public services. However, many, including this author, view the bill as a form of economic violence, disproportionately impacting women and girls already struggling within Kenya's socioeconomic landscape.
The bill's superficiality is evident in its failure to address the elephant in the room – illicit financial flows (IFFs). Kenya hemorrhages billions of shillings annually to corruption and financial crimes, landing it on the FATF grey list. Instead of tackling these root causes, the government has chosen to burden its most vulnerable citizens with regressive taxation.
This burden falls heavily on women, who already bear the brunt of unpaid caregiving and rely heavily on public services, which are already inadequate. The added financial strain of increased taxes on essential goods only deepens existing inequalities.
While locally produced sanitary products are exempt from the new Eco Levy, the issue runs deeper. Many Kenyan women have shared negative experiences with local brands, highlighting the need for improved quality and safety standards.
Instead of simply eliminating the levy, a more comprehensive approach is needed. This includes incentivizing local production by reducing tariffs on raw materials, providing financial support to local businesses, and ensuring rigorous quality control measures.
Ultimately, addressing the concerns of women and girls requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes their well-being, empowers them economically, and ensures access to safe and affordable essential products. Only then can Kenya claim to be truly invested in the future of all its citizens.
Despite widespread public outcry, parliament passed the bill, with 204 members advocating for its potential to address national debt and bolster public services. However, many, including this author, view the bill as a form of economic violence, disproportionately impacting women and girls already struggling within Kenya's socioeconomic landscape.
The bill's superficiality is evident in its failure to address the elephant in the room – illicit financial flows (IFFs). Kenya hemorrhages billions of shillings annually to corruption and financial crimes, landing it on the FATF grey list. Instead of tackling these root causes, the government has chosen to burden its most vulnerable citizens with regressive taxation.
This burden falls heavily on women, who already bear the brunt of unpaid caregiving and rely heavily on public services, which are already inadequate. The added financial strain of increased taxes on essential goods only deepens existing inequalities.
While locally produced sanitary products are exempt from the new Eco Levy, the issue runs deeper. Many Kenyan women have shared negative experiences with local brands, highlighting the need for improved quality and safety standards.
Instead of simply eliminating the levy, a more comprehensive approach is needed. This includes incentivizing local production by reducing tariffs on raw materials, providing financial support to local businesses, and ensuring rigorous quality control measures.
Ultimately, addressing the concerns of women and girls requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes their well-being, empowers them economically, and ensures access to safe and affordable essential products. Only then can Kenya claim to be truly invested in the future of all its citizens.
