Nairobi — A section of Kenyans have expressed mixed reactions ahead of the reading of the 2023-24 Budget by Treasury Secretary Njuguna Ndungu.

Those who spoke to Capital Business expressed skepticism, especially with the impending hike in value added tax (VAT) on fuel products on July 1st.

The proposal is contained in the Finance Bill 2023 that was yesterday voted on by the National Assembly.

"The budget is good because the country must run. However, the government needs to speedily cut down the levy on tax. The fuel issue is very important," said Charles Mola.

"The rents in Nairobi are crazy. Kenyans need houses but at what cost. Three percent levy on housing is however high. The timing for the housing levy is wrong," added Derick Onyango.

They, however, called on the government to be more open about the content of the budget and deliver levies that are friendly to common citizens, citing the already high cost of commodities.

While Kenyans express their views on the budget, it's all systems go in parliament as the august house readies to receive the cabinet secretary for treasury to deliver the much anticipated budget.

Njuguna is proposing to spend a total of Sh3.6 trillion to run President William Ruto's first-term administration while maintaining a tough balancing act between debt servicing and supporting economic recovery.

This will be the first full financial year under the Kenya Kwanza administration, which came to power after the August 9, 2022, election.