Wednesday, June 19 afternoon’s parliamentary session was anything but ordinary as lawmakers engaged in a fiery debate over the Finance Bill, which has stoked controversy and sparked demonstrations in various cities and towns.
Initially proposing taxes on bread and vehicles, the Bill was amended to remove these provisions. However, it retained an increase in taxes on importation of finished products.
This change has significant implications for everyday Kenyans, particularly women, as it directly impacts the cost of essential items such as sanitary towels and diapers.
Given Kenya’s limited manufacturing capacity, most of these products are imported, meaning women and mothers will bear the brunt of higher costs.
The debate, charged with emotion and characterised by intense exchanges, saw MPs fervently presenting their views and arguments either for or against the Bill.
Kimilili Member of Parliament, Mr Didmus Barasa’s controversial stance drew particular attention. He claimed that women in his constituency preferred locally manufactured female hygiene products over imported ones, describing the latter as inferior.
“Women in my area hate the ‘Chinese’ imported female products,” he asserted. However, many questioned whether his statement was rooted in fact or was mere propaganda to justify his support for the Bill.
Amid this political theatre, female leaders took center stage. Ms Millie Odhiambo delivered a powerful and impassioned speech, urging women not to remain silent.
“Be a bad girl. This is not the time to sit and be noble while men talk on women’s issues,” she said, calling on women to actively oppose policies that harm them.
The backlash from netizens was swift and fierce, especially towards female leaders like Ms Gloria Orwoba. Ms Orwoba, a nominated senator and founder of Glo’s pad bank, has been a prominent advocate for ending period poverty and stigma in Kenya.
Her recent support of the Finance Bill, however, has left many feeling betrayed. Ms Orwoba, who was seen smiling alongside President William Ruto at a press conference on the Finance Bill, now insists that women can use locally manufactured pads, a statement seen as dismissive of the struggles many women face and the different needs when it comes to women’s menstrual health.
Ms Karen Nyamu’s remarks further inflamed the situation. According to social media, she suggested that the issue does not affect her because she uses tampons.
This out-of-touch comment, especially from a lawyer and leader, highlighted a lack of empathy for the plight of women who cannot afford such alternatives.
Ms Odhiambo’s voice stood out as one of reason amidst the controversy.
“While we cannot turn off our periods at any time we want, there should be a solution that works for now,” she emphasised, pointing to the urgent need for policies that consider the realities of women’s lives and that waiting for the country to produce locally manufactured sanitary towels was not an option.
Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba also shared her stance.
“As a user of sanitary towels and as a mother I am greatly concerned on how the Bill will affect the budget of different homes,” she said.
She further highlighted that the raw materials used by local manufacturers are imported and, therefore, still subject to taxation.
“Currently there are children who do not go to school when on their menses and if we add cost of sanitary towels we are going to deter lives of many girls who will become powerful women,” she said.
The Finance Bill, in its current form, threatens to exacerbate the economic burden on women who depend on imported sanitary products.
This issue highlights a broader, systemic problem of gender inequality in policymaking. Women’s health and economic empowerment cannot be sidelined in legislative decisions.
The rallying cry to “Be a baddie” and protest — “enda maandamano” — is a call to action for women to demand their rights and ensure their voices shape policies that impact their lives.
As the debate rages on, it is crucial for lawmakers to remember that true progress lies not in fiscal measures but in the well-being and empowerment of all citizens, especially the vulnerable.
The real measure of a society’s advancement is how it treats its women and ensures their needs are met equitably. The Finance Bill debate is not just about taxes; it’s about justice, equity and the fight for a fair society where every voice matters.
– By Hilda Wanjiku
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