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Oppose Finance Bill 2024: Appeal to Isiolo MPs

Dear Honorable Members,

We, the concerned residents of Isiolo County, write to you with urgent apprehension regarding the proposed Finance Bill 2024.

This bill, following in the footsteps of its predecessor from 2023, threatens to exacerbate the economic challenges already facing our community.

Isiolo County, marked by recurrent droughts and sporadic floods that severely impact pastoralist communities and agricultural productivity, is especially vulnerable due to its reliance on neighboring counties for essential goods.

Any increase in transportation costs, as outlined in the bill, would further strain our local economy and household budgets.

Specific provisions of the Finance Bill 2024 raise particular concerns. For instance, removing bread from the zero-rated VAT category is expected to increase its price, impacting the affordability of this staple food for many Isiolo residents.

Similarly, the proposal to impose a 25% excise duty on vegetable oils threatens to escalate the cost of cooking essentials, adding financial pressure to already burdened households.

Additionally, the introduction of an eco-levy on plastic packaging and hygiene products could double packaging costs, affecting both local manufacturers and consumers alike.

Removing the offset mechanism for excise duties on raw materials could also lead to higher prices for essential household items such as basins and mugs, further straining family budgets.

As residents who often manage household finances, women in Isiolo County will bear a disproportionate burden from these changes.

Increased costs for basic necessities like bread and cooking oil will stretch family budgets, leaving fewer resources for critical needs such as healthcare and education.

Call to Action!

Honorable Members, we urgently appeal to you to oppose the Finance Bill 2024 in its current form.

Your active participation in parliamentary sessions and your vote against this bill are crucial to safeguarding the economic stability and well-being of Isiolo County residents.

We trust in your leadership to prioritize the interests of your constituents and advocate for measures that ensure a sustainable future for our community.

The Finance Bill 2024 is currently under review by the 14-member Finance Committee, led by Molo MP Kuria Kimani. The committee is expected to make recommendations on the bill and table their report next week in Parliament. Following this, the bill will proceed to a Second Reading.

The Finance Bill 2024 poses significant challenges for Isiolo County, potentially deepening economic disparities and hindering local development efforts.

We implore you to consider the profound impact on our community and take decisive action to protect our collective welfare.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. We look forward to your support in opposing the Finance Bill 2024.

Sincerely,

Residents of Isiolo County

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