The Kenyan National Assembly now faces a significant challenge after President William Ruto rejected the Finance Bill 2024 in its entirety, setting the stage for a potential showdown between the executive and legislative branches.
Speaker Moses Wetangula announced on Thursday that the President had returned the bill to parliament with a memorandum recommending the deletion of all 69 clauses, citing widespread public opposition to the proposed legislation.
In a formal notification to members of parliament, Speaker Wetangula stated, “The President’s Memorandum constitutes a REJECTION OF THE BILL IN ITS ENTIRETY; and that the decision is informed by the need to reflect the voice of the people of Kenya who have REJECTED the Bill.”
The Finance Bill, which was passed by the National Assembly on June 25, now faces an uncertain future. According to Kenya’s constitution, the parliament has two options: address the President’s concerns by revising the bill or attempt to override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote.
Speaker Wetangula highlighted the steep challenge facing lawmakers who wish to revive any part of the bill, noting, “Any Member desirous of negating the President’s reservations or reviving any of the 69 Clauses of the Bill is required to marshal the votes of at least two-thirds of the Members of the National Assembly, being 233 Members.”
The Speaker has referred the President’s memorandum to the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning for expeditious consideration. The committee is expected to report its findings to the House when it resumes its next regular sitting.
This development marks a significant setback for the government’s fiscal plans and highlights the growing tensions between different branches of government in Kenya.
The Finance Bill typically outlines the government’s tax and spending priorities for the upcoming fiscal year.
