Kenyans will now have the opportunity to give their opinions on the 2025/2026 Finance Bill using WhatsApp, Molo Member of Parliament Kimani Kuria has announced.
The MP, who also serves as the Chair of the National Assembly’s Finance Committee, made the revelation during an interview with NTV on Tuesday, April 8.
Kuria explained that once the Finance Bill is officially presented in Parliament and moves to the public participation phase, the government will provide dedicated WhatsApp numbers that citizens can use to submit their feedback.
This move is aimed at making the process more accessible and inclusive, especially for individuals with demanding work schedules who may not be able to attend in-person meetings.
“This time, we are considering the changing times and how people communicate,” Kuria said. “While we still encourage the use of traditional methods like sending emails, writing letters, or attending public hearings, we understand that many Kenyans are busy.
That’s why we’ll be offering a more convenient way for people to participate—through WhatsApp. We’ll also be monitoring public discussions happening on social media.”
Kuria urged the public to take time to carefully review the proposed bill before making judgments about it.
He stressed the importance of understanding the contents of the legislation, rather than simply opposing it without proper knowledge.
“We urge Kenyans to first get informed. Don’t just say ‘reject’—go through the bill, identify which clauses concern you, and suggest how they can be improved,” he said. “The goal of this legislation is not to punish anyone, but to find solutions that work for the country.”
Already, the upcoming Finance Bill has generated significant debate and concern among Kenyans. Several tax experts have expressed alarm at the government’s intention to fund its ambitious Ksh4.26 trillion budget for the 2025/26 financial year primarily through increased taxation.
This proposed budget marks a notable rise from the current Ksh3.6 trillion, sparking fears of heightened financial pressure on ordinary citizens.
Economists and analysts from the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) have warned that this approach could widen the gap between rising taxes and stagnant wages, while key sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure continue to be underfunded.
Meanwhile, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi addressed the public on Monday, April 8, during the launch of the Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system in Nairobi.
He responded to widespread rumors and media reports suggesting that the Finance Bill 2025 had already been approved.
Mbadi dismissed the claims, clarifying that the government is still in the process of finalizing the budget.
He reassured the public that consultations are ongoing and that input from various stakeholders is still being reviewed.
“I usually don’t like to criticize the media because they play an important role in keeping us accountable,” Mbadi said. “However, I want to make it clear that the budget process has not yet been concluded. We are still evaluating proposals and feedback from different sectors.”
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