Kenyan President William Ruto has refused to sign off the 2024 Finance Bill and directed it is returned back to parliament.
The President who was addressing the nation today said he will not sign the 2024 Finance Bill and will have sit down with the rest of the other team and see ways in which they can find better solutions even if it takes a while.
“Having reflected on continuing the conversation around the Finance Bill, and listening to the Kenyan people who say they want nothing to do with this Bill, I concede,” President Ruto said.
“Therefore, I will not sign the Finance Bill 2024 and it shall be subsequently withdrawn and I have agreed with these members, that shall become our position.” He said.
He goes on saying that the already scheduled plans will have to wait as the people have spoken.
“We will have to cut down, delay them we will try next year to find some money….some of them we will have to cancel them it is the nature of things it is because the people of Kenya have spoken loudly.” President Ruto responded to one journalist.
President Ruto also stated that as promised earlier come Sunday, he will meet up with the Kenyan youth to hear their perspectives and concerns as well as engage them in a conversation on what they would want him to do.
“I am looking forward to a conversation with my sons and daughters the young people of this country, to explain to them the opportunities they have and I want to listen to them, what additionally do they want me to do, what can we do better and how can we move the country forward together.” President Ruto concluded his speech.
5 Steps The Bill undergoes in order for it to be passed
According to the Kenya National Assembly, Below are the steps followed before a Bill is passed
- First Reading
A first reading is when a bill is introduced to a legislature. Typically, the bill is assigned a tracking number and immediately assigned to a committee. - Second Reading
A second reading is the stage of the legislative process where a draft of a bill is read a second time. - Third Reading
A third reading is the stage of a legislative process in which a bill is read with all amendments and given final approval by the legislative body. - Presidential Assent
The granting of Presidential Assent is the formal method by which the head of the Executive arm of government completes the legislative process by formally assenting or giving his consent to an Act of Parliament. - Commencement
Quite often, an Act of Parliament may provide that it will come into effect on a date to be notified. In such cases, after the Act has received Presidential Assent, notification of the date.