Audio By Carbonatix
Protests over an unpopular finance bill have led to the deaths of at least five people in Kenya, with part of the parliament building set alight.
Protesters say the bill would impose unaffordable tax rises on ordinary citizens and businesses already weighed down by the high cost of living.
Police fired live rounds at protesters on Tuesday, leading to several deaths and hundreds of injuries.
The government has dropped some of the contentious proposals but protestors want the entire bill scrapped.
What did the orginal bill propose?
- Taxes on basic items
The bill initially proposed to introduce a 16% sales tax on bread and 25% duty on cooking oil.
There was also a planned increase in the tax on financial transactions as well as a new annual tax on vehicle ownership amounting to 2.5% of the value of the vehicle.
In response to public opposition, the government said it would drop these measures.
- The eco levy
A charge on products that contribute to waste and harm the environment was another key provision of the bill that the government has now suggested amendments to.
Critics pointed out that it would lead to the increase in the cost of essential items such as sanitary pads. They said many girls already unable to afford these products often miss school during their periods.
Babies' nappies would also be affected.
The government then said the levy would apply only to imported products.
The eco levy was also aimed at digital products, including mobile phones, cameras and recording equipment. But many Kenyans say they rely on these products, essential to the digital economy, for their livelihoods.
What are some of the measures that remain untouched?
- Tax on specialised hospitals
The finance bill introduces a 16% tax on goods and services for the direct and exclusive use in the construction and equipping of specialised hospitals with a minimum bed capacity of 50.
Many Kenyans worry that this could mean higher healthcare costs.
The chairman of the parliamentary finance committee, Kuria Kimani, has called claims that the bill would tax cancer patients "falsehoods".
- Higher import fees
The bill proposes to increase the rate of import taxes from 2.5% to 3% of the value of the item, to be paid by the importer.
The rise comes just a year after the rate was reduced from 3.5% to 2.5%. Protesters say the changes would lead to higher prices for imported products.

Getty Images
Why did the protests escalate?
On Tuesday, MPs passed the controversial bill, although without some of the most contentious measures.
Protesters broke through police lines to storm the parliament building, setting a section of it on fire.
Police officers opened fire with live ammunition, killing at least five people. A BBC reporter at the scene reported seeing dead bodies in the street.
Western countries have expressed concern at the violence and urged calm.
President William Ruto had previously promised to address protesters' concerns.
Why are protesters still angry?
Although the government has dropped some of the proposals, some remain, including the higher import tax.
But concerns are deeper than this bill. Exasperated Kenyans are angry at a government they long thought does not take their concerns into consideration.
- Why Kenya's president wants people to love the taxman
- Kenya protests: I feel betrayed by William Ruto
Demonstrators have not been convinced by Mr Ruto's argument that compared to other African countries, Kenyan taxes are relatively low.
A finance law last year, which also introduced a slew of unpopular taxes, was met with protests at the time.
What happens next?
Now that the bill has been passed, the president can either sign it into law within 14 days or send it back to parliament with a proposal for further amendments.
The government could also opt for other measures in a bid to defuse the pressure, including deferring the bill, although this is unlikely.
Latest Stories
-
Iran Embassy in Ghana opens Book of condolence after death of Supreme leader in US-Israel attacks
48 minutes -
GPL 2025/26: Vision FC cruise past Berekum Chelsea with emphatic 3–1 win
52 minutes -
GPL 2025/26: Samartex held by Dreams FC as winless run extends to five
57 minutes -
New Juaben North MP challenges gov’t to provide evidence of jobs created and cheap loans
2 hours -
Nadowli-Kaleo District marks 69th Independence Day with cultural exhibition, academic awards
2 hours -
Confusion, tension rock NPP polling station registration exercise in Tarkwa-Nsuaem
3 hours -
Burger King opens first Kumasi branch in Ahodwo
3 hours -
Burma Camp Tennis Club hosts successful 12th Ghana–Nigeria Independence Day Tennis Tournament
3 hours -
Rights, justice and action for all women and girls must include women and girls with disabilities
3 hours -
The Lover and the Fighter: China, the west, and Africa’s geopolitical awakening
4 hours -
UCC student dies in tragic road accident on campus
4 hours -
Health Ministry establishes committee to probe death of hit-and-run victim
4 hours -
RTI Commission, NACOC explore collaboration to promote transparency and accountability
4 hours -
Three dead as truck overturns near Asenema Waterfalls
5 hours -
Four Ghanaian UN peacekeepers recovering after Lebanon missile attack — Defence Ministry
5 hours
