The clock runs out at 5 pm, and what happens next will shape how much Kenyans pay in taxes for the next financial year.
Parliament is set to conclude public participation on Kenya's Finance Bill 2026 today, following the lapse of the two-week window period that saw consultations with stakeholders, industry groups, and members of the public on the proposed tax measures shaping the 2026/27 fiscal framework.
Kenyans have until 5:00 pm today, Monday, May 25, 2026, to submit their views, either physically at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi or electronically through official parliamentary email addresses.
The National Assembly's Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning opened the submission window on May 11, inviting Kenyans to submit memoranda on the Finance Bill, National Assembly Bill No. 26 of 2026, anchored on Article 118(1)(b) of the Constitution and Standing Order 127(3), which requires Parliament to facilitate public involvement in legislative processes.
The Bill, which has drawn significant public interest, contains several proposals that have already sparked concern. One of the standout proposals is a planned increase in excise duty on mobile phones and communication devices from 10 per cent to 25 per cent. The Bill also introduces a 20 per cent withholding tax on gambling winnings, new levies on plastics, coal, and vintage vehicles, and higher excise rates on tobacco products.
Parliament is expected to resume consideration of the Bill on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, with the law anticipated to be enacted by June 30, 2026, before the commencement of the new financial year.
The public participation process comes against the backdrop of memories from the controversial Finance Bill 2024, which sparked nationwide Gen Z-led protests under the "Occupy Parliament" movement, ultimately forcing President Ruto to decline assent to the Bill following sustained nationwide pressure.
For Kenyans who have not yet submitted their views, time is running out.
Parliament is set to conclude public participation on Kenya's Finance Bill 2026 today, following the lapse of the two-week window period that saw consultations with stakeholders, industry groups, and members of the public on the proposed tax measures shaping the 2026/27 fiscal framework.
Kenyans have until 5:00 pm today, Monday, May 25, 2026, to submit their views, either physically at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi or electronically through official parliamentary email addresses.
The National Assembly's Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning opened the submission window on May 11, inviting Kenyans to submit memoranda on the Finance Bill, National Assembly Bill No. 26 of 2026, anchored on Article 118(1)(b) of the Constitution and Standing Order 127(3), which requires Parliament to facilitate public involvement in legislative processes.
The Bill, which has drawn significant public interest, contains several proposals that have already sparked concern. One of the standout proposals is a planned increase in excise duty on mobile phones and communication devices from 10 per cent to 25 per cent. The Bill also introduces a 20 per cent withholding tax on gambling winnings, new levies on plastics, coal, and vintage vehicles, and higher excise rates on tobacco products.
Parliament is expected to resume consideration of the Bill on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, with the law anticipated to be enacted by June 30, 2026, before the commencement of the new financial year.
The public participation process comes against the backdrop of memories from the controversial Finance Bill 2024, which sparked nationwide Gen Z-led protests under the "Occupy Parliament" movement, ultimately forcing President Ruto to decline assent to the Bill following sustained nationwide pressure.
For Kenyans who have not yet submitted their views, time is running out.