In a recent revelation, former Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe shed light on a controversial move by President William Ruto’s administration.
According to Kagwe, the tax proposals on bread and diapers were part of a strategic ploy to distract Kenyans from other significant tax changes outlined in the Finance Bill 2024.
Speaking during an interview on Spice FM, Kagwe expressed his disbelief at the timing of introducing VAT on bread. “You cannot honestly tell me that, at a time when Kenyans are suffering, you intend to tax bread and diapers,” he stated.
He further alleged that the contentious clauses were deliberately included to cause public outcry.
However, Kagwe explained that the plan failed since the bill still contains other forms of taxes that will impact the people just like the ones that have been scrapped. “That was an endgame; it didn’t work. I think it backfired,” he added12.
The Kenya Kwanza administration eventually dropped its move to tax bread and other items like diapers after an uproar among Kenyans. As the bill heads to Parliament for debate, citizens remain vigilant, hoping for further amendments that prioritize their well-being.
