Kenya's Supreme Court has suspended a lower court's ruling that declared the 2023 finance law unconstitutional, according to a local media report.
"The conservatory orders are necessary to avoid potential operational disruptions in government activities," the Supreme Court noted in its ruling.
The Supreme Court emphasized the need to maintain budget stability until the government's appeal is heard next month. The finance bills, which are submitted to Parliament annually, outline the government's revenue measures, including tax increases.
The Supreme Court stated that public interest favors maintaining budget stability pending the appeal's outcome. Hearings on the law's constitutionality are scheduled for September 10 and 11.
Meanwhile, the government relies on the 2023 finance law for tax collection, despite ongoing legal challenges and opposition-led protests.
The 2023 finance law, which included measures like doubling the value-added tax on fuel, a housing tax, and raising the top income tax rate, was contested after violent protests last year. The government has yet to comment on the Supreme Court's recent decision.