Campus Action: Why We Opposed the Finance Bill 2024.
The Finance Bill 2024 has ignited widespread anger across Kenya, prompting thousands of citizens to take to the streets in protest. Despite President William Ruto’s announcement that he would not sign the bill into law, public discontent remains high, particularly among Generation Z. University students, in particular, have expressed strong opposition to the bill, citing its potential negative impacts on their lives and futures.
To understand the depth of opposition, we spoke with several university students who shared their perspectives on the Finance Bill 2024. Here’s what they had to say:
Timothy Osoro: A Student’s Perspective
Timothy Osoro, a university student, articulated the concerns many students share about the Finance Bill 2024. He emphasized that the bill’s proposed measures could significantly impact students’ current and future lives. Timothy supports the protests because he believes they are essential in highlighting these concerns and advocating for financial justice.
One of the most contentious aspects of the bill is the proposed increase in VAT from 16% to 18%. This change would make everyday items, including books, school supplies, food, and personal items, more expensive. Many students already struggle to cover tuition, housing, and other expenses, and this tax hike would exacerbate their financial challenges.
Another significant issue is the new digital services tax. In an era where education increasingly relies on digital tools and online resources, these taxes could lead to higher prices for e-books, educational software, and learning platforms. This would disproportionately affect students from low-income families, making education less accessible and widening the gap between those who can afford these resources and those who cannot.
The bill also proposes changes to student loans, including shorter repayment terms and higher interest rates. These changes would make it harder for graduates to pay off their loans, potentially forcing them to take jobs that do not align with their career goals just to meet their financial obligations. This financial stress could have long-term consequences on their career trajectories and overall well-being.
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Timothy supports the protests because they give a voice to the struggles citizens face and demand policies that prioritize their needs. He believes that education should be viewed as an investment in the country’s future. The bill, however, makes education more expensive and less accessible, potentially leaving students in debt and unable to reach their full potential. Higher income taxes, digital services taxes, reduced scholarships, and tougher student loans make education more stressful. Protests are a crucial way for students to stand up and demand policies that support them rather than hinder them.
Magdaline Kiama: Navigating Uncertain Futures
Magdaline Kiama, another university student, expressed her concerns about the Finance Bill 2024. She highlighted how the bill presents significant challenges for university students, creating uncertainties in their educational journeys and future career aspirations. The rising tuition fees and living expenses were already a constant struggle, and the proposed bill threatens to worsen this burden, making higher education even more inaccessible.
Magdaline pointed out that the bill’s impact extends beyond tuition fees. It could lead to cutbacks in funding for critical internship programs, particularly in fields like medicine, where real-world experience is essential. As a journalism student in her final semester, she needs to complete an industrial attachment before graduating. However, securing an internship in a media house has become increasingly difficult, and advisors recommend students seek opportunities in corporate communication sectors, where retention rates are higher. The prospect of missing out on these valuable opportunities creates doubt over their career aspirations.
Magdaline also raised concerns about employment prospects post-graduation. The proposed financial reforms could hinder the growth of industries and businesses, ultimately limiting job opportunities. The uncertainty surrounding the job market is deeply felt by students and their parents, who worry about entering a job market plagued by economic instability. The fear of limited job opportunities and increased competition is a common concern among her peers.
The ongoing protests highlight the urgent need for the government to consider the plight of students. The youth of Kenya are the country’s future, and their education and well-being should be a top priority. The sacrifices made by parents to provide education should result in a better life for their children. The protests are a call to action, urging the government to rethink its approach and prioritize the needs of students and their families.
Samuel Kiongo: A Personal Struggle
Samuel Kiongo, a 23-year-old university student, shared his personal struggles and concerns about the Finance Bill 2024. As the eldest in his family, Samuel relies on financial support from his parents and income from various hustles to sustain himself. The government’s decision to increase taxes through the bill will only exacerbate the challenges he already faces.
Samuel is particularly worried about job prospects in the media industry post-graduation. The industry has already experienced layoffs and delayed salaries due to tough economic conditions. Many media students are turning to digital media and content creation as alternative means of livelihood. However, the proposed taxes on this sector could lead to higher unemployment rates and discourage self-employment, potentially driving youths towards criminal activities.
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The lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to impact the economy, with many businesses still struggling to recover. The depreciation of the Kenyan shilling against the dollar has also taken a toll on citizens and businesses. Introducing additional financial burdens through the finance bill is seen as inhumane, further complicating the recovery process.
During their campaign, the government promised to prioritize the welfare of local citizens, including small-scale traders and hustlers. However, two years later, it is evident that these promises have not been upheld. Increased taxation and the rising cost of living have caused widespread frustration. It is disheartening to see Members of Parliament voting in favor of the finance bill and claiming it is in the best interest of their constituents, despite widespread opposition and peaceful protests.
Samuel participated in a peaceful protest against the finance bill, which unfortunately turned violent when the government used live ammunition, tear gas, and water cannons against demonstrators. The violence and suppression of youths exercising their constitutional right to peaceful protest are deeply concerning. The arrest of activists, doctors, and social media influencers by the government is a clear violation of human rights and an attempt to stifle dissenting voices.
Samuel emphasized that Generation Z is not just a passive audience but active change agents, using their platforms to promote dialogue, challenge norms, and envision a more just society. The protests are a powerful demonstration of their commitment to shaping the future and demanding policies that support their needs.
Wafula Meshack: National Demonstrations and Education
Wafula Meshack, another university student, discussed the nationwide demonstrations that Generation Z and millennials led in response to the proposed finance bill. The government aims to finance the 2024/25 budget by significantly increasing taxes on goods and services. Unfortunately, the changes have also impacted the education sector. The government reduced the national budget allocation for education from Ksh689.61 billion to Ksh666.46 billion, a move that threatens the country’s socio-economic development.
The proposed increase in Value Added Tax and excise duties will affect both school management and parents at all levels of education. Parents, already struggling with the high cost of living, will face additional financial pressure. During his campaign, the president promised to allocate more funds to boost the school feeding program. However, the proposed removal of this program will likely lead to increased school dropouts, contributing to higher crime rates, teenage pregnancies, and drug abuse.
Poor infrastructure, inadequate teaching resources, and low teacher employment rates have long been challenges in Kenya’s primary and secondary schools. The government’s decision to cut funding will worsen these conditions. More funds should be allocated to improve the state of learning institutions rather than reducing support that would have enhanced educational environments.
At the tertiary level, university and TVET courses are associated with higher fees than in the past. Previously, government-sponsored students paid around Sh16,000 per year and received loans up to Sh60,000 annually. These conditions have changed, leading to higher dropout rates and low course selection. The proposed bill will exacerbate these issues, making higher education even less accessible.
Moreover, the bill will likely result in reduced funding for research, creative innovations, and student projects in higher education institutions. This financial burden will be transferred to parents, leading to increased fees. The government needs to reconsider its approach and prioritize education, which is crucial for the country’s long-term economic growth, development, and empowerment of its citizens.
Conclusion
The Finance Bill 2024 has sparked widespread opposition among university students and citizens across Kenya. The proposed measures threaten to make education more expensive and less accessible, exacerbating financial challenges for students and their families. The protests led by Generation Z and millennials are a powerful demonstration of their commitment to advocating for policies that support their needs and prioritize education as an investment in the country’s future. It is crucial for the government to listen to these voices and reconsider its approach to ensure a more just and prosperous future for all.
Campus Action: Why We Opposed the Finance Bill 2024.
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