MP Jhanda - Majority of protesting youth haven't read Finance Bill

Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda now claims that most of the youths protesting against the Finance Bill, 2024, have not read it.

According to Jhanda, young people should take the initiative to read and understand the Bill before taking to the streets if they find it unsatisfactory for the country's benefit.

"I can confirm today that 95 percent of the young people protesting on the streets have not read the Finance Bill, 2024. As a young leader, I urge them to read and comprehend it before engaging in demonstrations," he stated.

The legislator emphasized that the Bill contains many beneficial provisions and urged young people to be patient.

One contentious issue, he explained, is the introduction of an eco-levy tax on imported sanitary towels and other products. Jhanda clarified that this measure aims to promote local manufacturing, thereby creating employment opportunities.

"Regarding sanitary towels, the government's intention is to support local industries. Why should we create jobs for people from China and India when we can manufacture locally, providing our people with quality products at lower costs?"

MP Jhanda stressed that the Finance Bill holds significant developmental projects and deserves full support from the public and President.

His comments come amidst nationwide protests by Kenyan youths, particularly Gen Z, who oppose what they deem as punitive measures in the Finance Bill, 2024.

Last week, protests began in Nairobi on Tuesday and in Mombasa on Wednesday, spreading to other parts of the country, including Kisii, Kisumu, Nakuru, Nyeri, Nanyuki, among others, on Thursday.

Despite the widespread protests, 204 Members of Parliament voted in favor of the Bill, while 105 opposed it. With the majority having their way, the Bill will now proceed to the Committee of the whole House for amendments starting next Tuesday.