Editor's Review

The orders suspending the implementation of the Finance Act 2023 were first issued on Friday, June 30 by Justice Mugure Thande. 

Justice Mugure Thande has extended the orders suspending the implementation Of the Finance Act 2023 until Monday, July 10. 

Justice Thande issued the directive on Wednesday, July 5 after hearing submission from Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, Solicitor General Shadrack Mose, and Lawyer Githu Muigai who was representing Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u.

The High Court Judge also noted that she will deliver the final ruling and directions on the petition on Monday.

“Hon Mugure Thande has extended the conservatory orders until 10th July 2023, at 2:00 PM when the ruling will be delivered & directions given. Note: Implementation of the Finance Act 2023 still stands suspended, in accordance with the orders issued on 30th June,” Omtatah tweeted. 

File image of President Ruto signing Finance Bill 2023 into law. 

Justice Thande issued the conservatory orders on Friday, June 30 following Senator Omtatah’s application.

 “That I am satisfied that the Application meets the test for conservatory orders and I do grant prayers 2 and 3 of the Application until 5.7.23 when the matter is scheduled for mention for directions,” read the order.

President William Ruto signed the Finance Bill 2023 into law on Monday, June 26. It was set to become effective on Saturday, July 1.

Despite the court order, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has already increased fuel prices to align with the provisions of the Finance Act 2023.