Leaders ask government to review VAT law

By Kenan Miruka

KISII, KENYA: Leaders in Kisii have asked the government to review the Value Added Tax (VAT) law to avert spiraling prices of food and commodities burdening consumers.

Speaking separately, Kitutu Chache MP Richard Onyonka and Kisii County Senator Chris Obure warned that the multiplier effect of the VAT bill will have far reaching consequences on the lives of Kenyans.

The leaders asked President Uhuru Kenyatta to intervene and reverse the bill in the interest of ordinary Kenyans whose hope lay in the hands of government.

"The Jubilee government has to be cautious on the extent to which they can raise tax on Kenyans. Bank transaction fees have plummeted as well as the cost of food. The government needs to re-look this issue," urged Onyonka.

Speaking at Nyabururu Catholic Parish where he attended mass on Sunday, Onyonka challenged the government to come clear on what is happening in treasury alleging that the Jubilee government may have inherited empty coffers at treasury.

And speaking in Kisii town, Obure said the provisions of the law should be stopped immediately to save wananchi from more suffering.

"We opposed this bill as senate but parliament passed it due to Jubilee’s numbers. This will kill our country as the net effect of the increased cost of food is higher," warned Obure.

He said already schools had started sending students away for school fees in their bid to cope with the spiraling cost of food and other basic commodities including stationery.