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When the Earth Shakes, So Does the Narrative

Natural disasters have an extraordinary way of exposing far more than collapsed buildings and fractured roads. They expose governments. An earthquake is an unforgiving auditor. It tests the strength of infrastructure, the preparedness of emergency services and the resilience of communities. Just as importantly, it tests the character of those in power. The recent twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela have once again demonstrated a truth that extends well beyond South America. When catastrophe strikes, governments face two battles. The first is against the disaster itself. The second is against the story that emerges from it. Too often, the latter begins to eclipse the former. The Battle for Information In the immediate aftermath of the earthquakes, reports suggested that rescue efforts struggled to match the scale and urgency of the devastation. Journalists arriving in some of the hardest-hit areas encountered not only scenes of destruction, but increasing restrictions on access. As c...

BREAKING: #RejectFinanceBill2024 - Counting Our Gains So Far



You should see the awkward and frictional body language between William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua at State House, Nairobi, as they capitulate to people power.
Meanwhile, Finance and Planning Committee Chairman Kimani Kuria is pleading with Kenyans not to step on the gas pedal because they've been heard and the following changes have been made to the Finance Bill 2024:
1. The proposed 16% VAT on bread has been dropped.

2. Increase in taxation on mobile phone transfers has been dropped. Also, no additional taxes on bank transfers.

3. All locally manufactured items, including diapers and sanitary pads, will not be subject to the Eco Levy.

4. Turnover Tax: VAT threshold to be increased from KSh 5m to KSh 8m. SMEs that have a turnover of less than KSh 8m will not be required to register for VAT.

5. eTIMS: Businesses with a turnover of below KSh 1m, including small scale avocado farmers, will be exempted from eTIMS registration.

6. Local farmers: Excise duty will only be levied on imported table eggs, imported onions, and imported potatoes.

7. Alcohol: They're now changing it from a volume-based taxation to alcohol content-based taxation. Alcohol manufacturers producing alcohol with very high alcohol content will be required to pay higher duty based on alcohol content.

8. Pension: They're now increasing the amount allowable for tax exemption for pension contributions, from KSh 20,000 to KSh 30,000 per month.

9. JSS Teachers: All the 46,000 JSS teachers will be hired on permanent and pensionable terms, in addition to recruiting another 20,000.

10. Motor Vehicle Tax: Has also been dropped.

11. Sugarcane farmers: VAT on transporting sugarcane from the farms to the milling factories, has also been dropped.
And we salute these heroes of the revolution!
#RebelSalute‼️🫡🖖🏿 

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