The Non-Governmental Organization Council has called on the government to review the new oil prices saying that it will adversely affect Kenyans who are already burdened by high cost of living.
The call by the NGO comes amid protests from different quarters after the 16% fuel tax was imposed by the Treasury on Saturday, despite the amended Bill passed by Parliament that suspended the move for two years.
The Bill has yet to be assented to by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
According to the NGO Council, the move will impact negatively on the lives of Kenyans and make lives harder to common citizens.
“We appeal to Government to reconsider the decision and find other avenues of raising taxes rather than implementing what will make lives many citizens hard,” said Chairman NGO Stephen Cheboi.
In a press statement sent to newsrooms Tuesday, Cheboi said that the council is calling on the government to hold stakeholders consultation on the subject so as to find other alternatives and the suitable ways to handle the tax situation.
The council further called on the parliament to amend the new value added tax law and do away with the hike in the fuel products, adding that the parliament is the only organ mandated by the constitution to make laws.
Cheboi revealed that the council has also called upon President Uhuru Kenyatta not to assent to the recent amendment bill by the parliamentarians on the same.
He further appealed to the government to ensure the taxes collected are utilized properly and to the interest of the common mwananchi.
According to the council, the 16 percent VAT is a punitive and now wants Rotich not to implement what Parliament has not approved.
Petrol will now cost Ksh127.80 per litre in Nairobi from Ksh113, diesel will now retail at Ksh115 while kerosene will sell at Ksh97 per litre.
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