The MPs, led by Alfred Keter (Nandi Hills), Caleb Amisi (Saboti), Tindi Mwale (Butere) and Godfrey Otsotsi (Nominated), yesterday called for an informal meeting of members, popularly known as Kamukunji, to discuss the increase in fuel prices even after Parliament last week voted to freeze the collection of the 16 per cent value added tax (VAT) on petroleum products until 2020.
Nairobi. MPs want National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi to recall the House from recess to discuss the Treasury’s implementation of new tax on fuel, as a strike called by small petroleum suppliers signalled a possible shortage of the commodity.
The MPs, led by Alfred Keter (Nandi Hills), Caleb Amisi (Saboti), Tindi Mwale (Butere) and Godfrey Otsotsi (Nominated), yesterday called for an informal meeting of members, popularly known as Kamukunji, to discuss the increase in fuel prices even after Parliament last week voted to freeze the collection of the 16 per cent value added tax (VAT) on petroleum products until 2020.
The legislators want to discuss the conduct of Treasury Secretary Henry Rotich who on Friday directed the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to implement the International Monetary Fund (IMF)-fronted tax in defiance of Parliament’s vote to delay the levy by two more years.
“Over 150 MPs have confirmed that they will attend the Kamukunji for us to address the public outcry on VAT that has led to so many problems. Wananchi have been forced to pay high fares, while goods, including food items, have become expensive,” said Mr Keter at a press conference at Parliament Buildings.
Pump prices rose 12 per cent to an average of Sh128.70 per litre of super petrol following the tax increase, of which the government will be collecting Sh55.16 per litre. The Kenya Independent Petroleum Dealers Association announced an indefinite strike yesterday, demanding the shelving of the tax.
The strike could affect supply of fuel in parts of the country, with the association claiming to control 55 per cent of the retail market.
Big oil marketers Shell, Total and KenolKobil control the other market segment. “This is in solidarity with all the other Kenyans against the government’s decision. The strike is indefinite until the decision is reversed,” the chairman of the Kenya Independent Petroleum Dealers Association, Joseph Karanja, told Reuters.
Some of the transporters parked their tankers outside the Nakuru fuel depot in observance of the strike.
The parliamentary amendment requires assent by President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is currently in China, […]
