Govt Urges Kenyans to Share Ideas for the 2026 Finance Bill
The National Treasury has asked Kenyans and different stakeholders to submit their ideas and recommendations for tax policy changes as the country begins preparing the 2026/2027 national budget.
In a public notice issued by Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, the Treasury said this open call is part of efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and genuine public participation in important financial decisions that affect all citizens.
The announcement refers to Articles 201 and 232 of the Constitution, as well as the Public Finance Management Act, which give citizens, county governments, civil society groups, and the private sector both the right and responsibility to take part in shaping the country’s budget and fiscal priorities.
According to the notice, “The National Treasury hereby invites the members of the public, the national government, and other stakeholders to make submissions for consideration in the fiscal budget for the Financial Year 2026/2027.”
The ministry is specifically looking for well-structured proposals that suggest changes to current tax laws, which will form part of the Finance Bill 2026.
The Treasury said the proposals should support the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
This agenda focuses on helping the economy recover, creating more jobs, and promoting inclusive growth by strengthening different value chains across key sectors.
CS Mbadi explained that every submission should clearly state which tax law or specific clause needs to be amended, describe the problem or gap being addressed, and provide strong, evidence-based justification for the proposed change.
He added that all contributions will help guide new revenue-raising measures aimed at improving fiscal stability while also supporting national economic development.
This new call for ideas comes at a sensitive time, especially considering the events of June 2024. During the debate on the Finance Bill 2024, massive protests broke out nationwide.
Thousands of demonstrators, mainly in Nairobi, stormed Parliament after the bill was passed, arguing that the proposed taxes would worsen the cost of living and hurt small businesses.
Many youth, business owners, civil society groups, and ordinary citizens said their voices were ignored during the drafting of the 2024 bill.
The protests highlighted a major gap in public participation and communication between the government and citizens—a gap the Treasury now says it wants to close by actively involving the public earlier in the process.
Economic analysts believe this call for submissions is a chance for Kenyans to directly shape tax policies, push for fairness in the tax system, and help prevent the kind of public unrest seen in 2024.
By taking part, Kenyans can influence decisions that affect their livelihoods and ensure the 2026 Finance Bill reflects the real needs and concerns of the people.
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