National Assembly Leader of Majority Aden Duale has said that Kenyans have to bear the high cost of living following the 16 per cent value added tax on petroleum products.
Mr Duale said only President Uhuru Kenyatta can save Kenyans from high fuel prices which is expected to increase prices of different products and also affect the public transport sector.
The Garissa Township MP said if President Kenyatta assents to the Finance Bill, 2018, it will extend implementation of the new tax on petroleum products until September 2020.
According to the MP, President Uhuru has the power to ensure that poor Kenyans do not suffer due to the 16 per cent VAT imposed on fuel.
“The law that exists is the law that was passed in 2013 by the house but was suspended for three years until 2016 and suspended for a further two years till September 1. Only the President assents to the Bill, it becomes law. Minus that, the 2016 Bill that says the 16 VAT tax comes into effect on September 1, 2018 remains,” said Mr Duale.
President Kenyatta has two weeks to sign the Bill that will suspend the new tax on petroleum products for another two years.