Kenya scraps some tax hike proposals as protesters rally in Nairobi

Kenya's government has announced the scrapping of some proposed tax increases following days of protests in Nairobi. The decision comes as a response to public outcry and pressure from the opposition. The planned tax hikes included a new tax on digital content and a rise in the value-added tax (VAT) on fuel. While the government has withdrawn these specific proposals, other measures, such as a new tax on mobile money transactions, are still being considered. The opposition Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition led the protests, calling for the government to address the rising cost of living and address corruption. Despite the government's decision to withdraw some of the tax hikes, the situation remains tense, with the opposition maintaining that the government should address the broader economic concerns and address their demands for accountability. The government's decision to back down on some of the tax proposals is seen as a sign of the public's power to influence policy decisions in Kenya.

Summary

"Kenya's government has partially yielded to public pressure and scrapped some proposed tax hikes in response to protests in Nairobi. However, other tax measures remain under consideration, and the opposition continues to push for broader economic reforms and accountability from the government."