Lobbying intensifies ahead of MPs' vote on fuel tax

Section of MPs led by Mohamed Ali (left), Didmus Baraza and Charles Kilonzo addressing the media at Parliament on the VAT on petroleum products. [Boniface Okendo/Standard]

Subtle but concerted behind-the-scenes lobbying intensified yesterday to have at least 117 MPs support President Uhuru Kenyatta’s punitive tax proposals, including the eight per cent value added tax on fuel.

The effect of this is that it will deny those opposed to Uhuru's recommendations the requisite two-thirds majority (233 MPs) required to veto his memorandum on the Finance Bill, 2018.