Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho has expressed concern following the increase in fuel prices after introduction of the controversial value added tax of 16%.
Joho has indicated that Kenyans are being subjected to suffering since the VAT will have a net effect of increasing the cost of goods on virtually every item for every Kenyan.
"I have noted with concern, the suffering Kenyans are being subjected to following the increase in fuel prices after Introduction of the controversial value added tax of 16%."
According to Joho, the VAT will worsen Kenyans' livelihood given that they are already overburdened by difficult economic circumstances like low incomes, unemployment and inflation.
In a statement, Joho called on President Uhuru Kenyatta to assent to the finance amendment bill that suspends the implementation of the tax keeping in mind the international and domestic financial obligations.
"While keenly aware of our international and domestic financial obligations, I wish to urge the President to assent to the finance amendment bill that suspends the implementation of this tax."
The ODM Deputy Party Leader also urged National Treasury officials and other concerned government officials to consider other interventions, especially on the expenditures and either restructure or reschedule them to get the required.
"Some of the larger obligations can be restructured or rescheduled. Expenditures on large infrastructure projects should also be reconsidered," Joho said on Monday.
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