Kibera's Cry: Finance Bill 2025 Sparks Outrage

Kibera Residents Voice Concerns Over 2025 Finance Bill: 'We Just Want to Thrive, Not Survive' Kibera, Kenya – On June 9th, 2025, a public forum on the upcoming Finance Bill 2025 witnessed a powerful display of citizen engagement. A young woman, speaking on behalf of Kibera residents, directly addressed Cabinet Secretary Mbadi, expressing strong concerns about the bill's potential negative impact on the lives of ordinary Kenyans. The video recording of her speech has since gone viral. The woman's impassioned plea highlighted the proposed increases in taxes on essential goods, such as milk and maize flour ('unga'), and the removal of zero-rating on these items. "We are tired of the repeated cycle of just survival," she stated, emphasizing the need for policies that allow Kenyans to thrive, not merely survive. She further pointed out the proposed 5% tax on agricultural sales, which she argued would exacerbate the financial strain on farmers and consumers alike. She also expressed concern about a 25% increase in excise duty on essential goods and a 10 shilling increase in fuel prices per liter. Her words resonated with many viewers: "This means no good breakfast, expensive milk, expensive maize flour—we can't afford it." The video concludes with a call for the government to address the concerns of ordinary citizens and ensure that the Finance Bill 2025 caters to the needs of all Kenyans. The video's widespread sharing underscores the importance of public participation in shaping economic policy and the urgency of addressing the concerns of vulnerable populations.