Kenyans Protest Against Increase in VAT On Petroleum Products

On Wednesday, June 21, 184 members of parliament (MPs) voted in favor of increasing Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products by 100%. This means that the VAT on petroleum products will increase from 8% to 16%.

The increase in VAT on petroleum products is expected to lead to a surge in the price of fuel by more than KSh 10. This has sparked outrage among Kenyans, who are already struggling with the high cost of living.

On social media, Kenyans have been protesting against the MPs’ decision to increase VAT on petroleum products. They have argued that the increase will further strain the already stretched budgets of Kenyans.

Some Kenyans have also argued that the increase in VAT on petroleum products is a regressive tax, meaning that it will disproportionately affect the poor and the middle class.

The government has defended the increase in VAT on petroleum products, arguing that it is necessary to raise revenue to fund essential services. However, Kenyans are not convinced, and they are demanding that the government reverse the decision.

It remains to be seen whether the government will heed the calls of Kenyans and reverse the decision to increase VAT on petroleum products. However, the protests against the increase have highlighted the deep anger that Kenyans feel about the high cost of living.

The increase in VAT on petroleum products is a regressive tax, meaning that it will disproportionately affect the poor and the middle class. This is because these groups spend a larger proportion of their income on fuel.

The increase in VAT on petroleum products is also likely to have a negative impact on the economy. This is because it will make it more expensive to transport goods and services, which will lead to higher prices for consumers.

The government has defended the increase in VAT on petroleum products, arguing that it is necessary to raise revenue to fund essential services. However, there are other ways to raise revenue, such as increasing taxes on the wealthy or cutting government spending.

The protests against the increase in VAT on petroleum products have highlighted the deep anger that Kenyans feel about the high cost of living. The government should listen to the concerns of Kenyans and reverse the decision to increase VAT on petroleum products.