The Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) has intensified its opposition to the VAT bill, which was presented by the government to parliament yesterday (Tuesday), on social media, warning MPs of the consequences should they pass it.
COFEK argues the bill will lead to increased prices of food such as maize, flour and bread should the government be allowed to tax the basic commodities that have always been zero rated.
Already the lobby group has sent a petition to the president, deputy president, the speaker of the national assembly, the cabinet secretary for the national treasury, the managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the United Nations’ special rapporteur on right to food equality, Olivier De Schutter.
The push via social media is to help in the collection of signatures from Kenyans in future should the “misinformed and alien Bill” pass through the National Assembly.
Also receiving part of the wrath from the lobby is the IMF, which it accuses of arm twisting the government into taxing food commodities.
Just yesterday the lobby organised demonstrations at parliament, partly through social media mobilisation, asking Kenyans to stop MPs from passing the Bill.
“SLAYING EVIL: Calling on Kenyans to stand for Kenya. Help#StopVATBill2013 Join the peaceful demonstration at the Freedom Corner at 10 am in Nairobi and in other major cities across the country. Do not be violent. Just pass the message that Kenya doesn’t belong to the International Monetary Fund but to Kenyans,” read a post from the group’s Facebook page.
MPs have also recently been divided on the laptop issue, with MPs from the opposition leading the onslaught against the provision of the gadgets in favour of paying teachers.
