In response to the President’s memorandum on a bill, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula clarified the process for over-riding the President’s concerns.

The finance bill was rejected by numerous Kenyans, who claimed it was too hard for them to bear.

President Ruto recently gave in to the pressure by Kenyans on the finance bill and decided to withdraw it.

“Listening keenly to the people of Kenya , who have said loudly that they want nothing to do with this Finance Bill 2024, I concede and therefore I will not sign the 2024 Finance Bill and shall subsequently be withdrawn,” he started.

He further stated that he’s looking for the way forward to add more revenue.

“I also propose that within the next 14 days, a multi-sectoral, multi-stakeholder engagement be held with a view to charting the way forward on matters relating to the content of the Bill as well as auxiliary issues raised in recent days on the need for austerity measures and strengthening our fight against corruption,” the President said.

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What’s next?

Any attempt to reject the President’s reservations or reinstate removed clauses would require a two-thirds majority vote, or 233 votes.

Wetang’ula has fast-tracked the matter by sending the memorandum to the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning.

This committee will analyze the President’s suggestions, gauge public opinion, and create a revised version of the bill that reflects the public’s needs and expectations.