Finance Bill 2026: Why Gov't wants to impose 16% VAT on digital payments By Brian Kimani May 28, 2026 07:30 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Audio By Vocalize Finance Bill 2026 is here with us and several cl …
Experts call for inclusive debate on Finance Bill 2026 By Vincent Anguche May 28, 2026 11:43 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter KCA University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Finance, Planning & Development) Prof. …
WATCH LIVE: Public Participation for Finance Bill 2026 By Citizen Reporter May 25, 2026 10:51 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Molo MP Kuria Kimani, chairperson of the National Assembly Finance Committee, du …
Audio By VocalizeTreasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has accused some opposition politicians of spreading propaganda and misleading Kenyans over the Finance Bill 2026, insisting the proposed law does not contain punitive taxes as alleged by critics. …
Audio By VocalizeNational Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has defended the Finance Bill 2026, saying the government has deliberately avoided introducing punitive taxes and instead focused on simplifying tax administration, widening the tax base, and protecting struggling Ke …
Audio By VocalizeKenya's Finance Bill 2026 has put the digital payments sector on edge, with the cryptocurrency industry calling on the government to grant tax exemptions on proposed new levies it says could stunt a sector still finding its feet. …
… Speaking at various functions locally and abroad, opposition leaders urged Kenyans to reject the Finance Bill 2026, accusing the government of introducing punitive tax measures that would further burden struggling households. …
Professional bodies are now calling for an overhaul of the controversial clauses in the Finance Bill 2026, which they argue will further burden Kenyans financially. …
An opinion piece argues that Kenya's pattern of annual Finance Bills creates anxiety among local and foreign investors, forcing businesses to repeatedly adjust operations and spending on compliance. The writer says businesses prioritize certainty over low taxes, and points to the June 2024 protests over the Finance Bill—which left over 60 dead and caused lasting disruption—as evidence of the damage this ritual causes.
An opinion piece argues that Kenya's pattern of annual Finance Bills creates anxiety among local and foreign investors, forcing businesses to repeatedly adjust operations and spending on compliance. The writer says businesses prioritize certainty over low taxes, and points to the June 2024 protests over the Finance Bill—which left over 60 dead and caused lasting disruption—as evidence of the damage this ritual causes.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has defended President Ruto's administration, arguing that Mt. Kenya residents are no longer complaining about government performance but are instead aggrieved by the removal of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from office. Speaking on Citizen TV, Mbadi defended the government's spending priorities in the Finance Bill 2026, saying Treasury has channelled resources to agriculture and other sectors affecting livelihoods.
Parliament removed a proposal to impose Value Added Tax on person-to-person digital money transfers in the Finance Act 2026, protecting millions of Kenyans relying on digital group contributions. The Finance Bill was passed on June 18, 2026, with 122 MPs voting in favour and 40 against, and the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning recommended the removal after public participation involving more than 100,000 submissions.
A Standard editorial accuses Kenya's politicians of cowardice for absent-voting on Finance Bill 2026 and disappearing from Gen Z protests they publicly encouraged, claiming they exploit youth activism for political gain while failing to show up when accountability is demanded.
Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has renewed calls for June 25 to be formally recognised as a national public holiday, dubbed 'Liberation Day,' to honour young Kenyans who led the anti-Finance Bill protests of 2024. He said the day should serve as a permanent reminder of the sacrifices made by youth in defence of freedom, justice and constitutional rights.
Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has renewed calls for June 25 to be formally recognised as a national public holiday, dubbed 'Liberation Day,' in honour of young Kenyans who led the anti-Finance Bill protests of 2024.
Kenyans plan to hold a second commemoration of June 25, 2024 protest victims with nationwide candlelighting ceremonies on Thursday. President Ruto has cautioned against chaos, property destruction, or disruption of services during the anniversary.
Digital credit provider Numida has launched operations in Kenya, offering performance-based financing to micro, small, and medium enterprises that struggle to access traditional bank loans. The company has already disbursed more than Sh22 billion to over 115,000 businesses across the region.
An opinion piece argues that Parliament's deliberations on the Finance Bill 2026—designed to raise Sh120 billion toward a Sh4.82 trillion budget—displayed "post-truth populism" rather than coherent reasoning, with legislators making factually incorrect claims about the Bill's content and tax implications while avoiding substantive budget discussions.
President William Ruto has increased the duty-free allowance for returning travellers from Ksh.39,000 to Ksh.260,000 upon assenting to the Finance Bill 2026, a move aimed at addressing concerns from Kenyans abroad and visitors who can now bring gifts and personal effects without attracting duty charges.
President William Ruto has increased the duty-free allowance for returning travellers from Ksh.39,000 to Ksh.260,000 when assenting to the Finance Bill 2026, aiming to address concerns from Kenyans living and working abroad and other visitors.
President William Ruto is expected to formally assent to the Finance Bill 2026 on Tuesday following its National Assembly approval. The passage has drawn criticism from opposition figures, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, who questioned whether the vote met constitutional thresholds due to absent MPs.
An opinion piece argues that while Kenyans debate the Finance Bill 2026's taxation proposals, the broader issue is whether money set aside retains its value as inflation erodes purchasing power on essentials like food, transport, and housing.
Safina Party leader Jimi Wanjigi has called for Kenyans to participate in planned June 25 memorial protests, describing them as a continuation of the Gen Z-led movement that emerged during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations. Wanjigi said the 2024 protests broke Kenya's "old political and economic order" and urged the administration to adapt to the "new Kenya."
The National Assembly passed the Finance Bill 2026 by a vote of 122 to 40, with 187 MPs absent from the chamber. The Standard characterizes the outcome as evidence of Parliament's diminished capacity to check executive power.
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has faced intense criticism for missing three major votes in the National Assembly: the Finance Bill 2025, the Finance Bill 2026, and the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in October 2024.
The government has warned that security agencies will act against anyone who turns Thursday's planned protests into violence, while allowing constitutional rights to peaceful assembly. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the Constitution protects peaceful demonstrations but does not permit looting, property destruction, or intimidation.
The National Assembly passed the Finance Bill 2026 with increased excise duty on imported sugar rising to Ksh.40 per/kg from Ksh.5 per/kg, expected to raise consumer prices from July. Experts and opposition lawmakers warn the move will increase costs to consumers, particularly given Kenya's sugar supply deficit where consumption stands at 1.14 million tonnes against domestic production of 610,000 metric tonnes.
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro was absent from the National Assembly during the Finance Bill 2026 Third Reading vote, which passed 122–40, drawing criticism on social media from Kenyans who noted his recent vocal opposition to government policies.
MPs rejected several politically contentious consumption tax proposals in the Finance Bill 2026 following public hearings across 13 counties, though a range of new levies buried within the law still threaten to affect Kenyan households.
President William Ruto has defended the Finance Bill 2026 after Parliament's approval, saying it will inject billions of shillings into healthcare, agriculture, counties and education. He announced Sh21 billion allocation to KEMSA to address medicine shortages in public hospitals and criticized opponents for using propaganda and division.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga defended President Ruto and the broad-based government at a burial ceremony in Nandi, accusing critics of misleading Kenyans through propaganda instead of offering solutions. Wanga praised Ruto's international representation of African interests and challenged government critics over claims about the Finance Bill 2026, saying some failed to back up allegations when questioned in Parliament.
Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago has urged youth to review Thursday's Finance Bill 2026 parliamentary debate before participating in planned protests next week, contending that some leaders have spread misinformation about the proposed law, including false claims about taxation of second-hand clothes.
The Finance Bill 2026 passed Parliament as opposition attempts to amend controversial clauses failed. Opposition MPs rejected the bill, arguing it was intended to hoodwink Kenyans.
The National Assembly has passed the Finance Bill 2026 with amendments through an electronic vote, with 122 MPs voting in favour and 40 opposed, sending it to President William Ruto for assent before it becomes law. The Bill seeks to amend key tax laws including the Income Tax Act and Value Added Tax Act.
The National Assembly's Committee on Finance and National Planning has broken ranks with President William Ruto's administration, recommending the deletion or softening of central proposals in the government's latest revenue-raising plan.
MPs engaged in sharp exchanges and political brinkmanship over alleged hidden tax increases in the Finance Bill 2026 and its rapid progression through Parliament.
The National Assembly's Committee on Finance and National Planning has broken ranks with President William Ruto's administration, systematically critiquing aggressive tax measures in the government's revenue-raising plan and recommending the deletion or softening of central proposals.
The Association of Kenyans in Alberta has opposed provisions in Kenya's proposed Finance Bill 2026 that would impose additional tax and compliance requirements on rental income earned by Kenyans living abroad, arguing the measures unfairly target diaspora investors who have contributed to Kenya's economy through remittances and investments.
The National Assembly passed the Finance Bill 2026 with amendments, with 122 MPs voting in favour and 40 against, after weeks of debate over tax and revenue proposals for the 2026/27 financial year. The bill now goes to President William Ruto for assent and includes amendments made during committee stage in response to public submissions and concerns from consumers and industry players.