**New Reformed Eco-tax Bill Catches Kenyan Parliament’s Eye**
Kenya is set to introduce a revised version of the controversial eco-tax that will soon be debated in parliament. According to Treasury Secretary John Mbadi, about 49 measures are currently being considered under a Tax Amendments Bill.
The aim of the eco-tax is to reduce pollution and improve waste management at the corporate and household levels. Unlike the initial proposal, this new version will exclude sanitary pads, the newly appointed secretary insisted.
Businesses remain in the authorities’ sights. The minister responded to criticism from American beverage company Coca-Cola, which opposed the 10% tax on all locally manufactured plastics.
“They will have to explain to us why they are opposing it,” Mbadi said. “This country is not a dumping ground.”
“If you harm the environment, you have to pay to repair the damage you have done.”
The government is also aiming to collect more taxes by extending the tax amnesty period by six months.
The cancellation of Kenya’s 2024 Finance Bill in June followed widespread anti-tax protests. This forced President William Ruto to review the budget and look for alternative sources of revenue.
At the handover ceremony last week, Treasury Secretary John Mbadi expressed his willingness to reinstate some provisions in the cancelled Finance Bill.
Last Sunday (August 18), some opposition leaders urged the judiciary to stand firm against what they see as attempts to reintroduce the cancelled Finance Bill in 2024.
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This story highlights the importance of the debate around the eco-tax in Kenya and sheds light on the political and environmental issues involved. The rewording of the original article aims to inform and engage the reader while maintaining a professional and informative tone.