Pressure is mounting on the government after civil society organisations and business lobby groups strongly opposed the proposed Finance Bill 2026, saying the measures in the bill could increase the financial burden already facing many Kenyans.
The groups described the bill as punitive, arguing that it introduces tax proposals that may make life harder for households and businesses struggling with the high cost of living.
According to the lobby groups, many citizens are already dealing with rising prices of basic goods, transport, school fees, and other daily expenses, making it difficult for them to absorb additional taxes.
Business leaders warned that some of the proposed measures could reduce disposable income and affect spending power among consumers. They also said the proposals may discourage investment, especially for small and medium-sized businesses that are still recovering from economic challenges experienced over the past few years.
The organisations further accused policymakers of ignoring concerns raised by members of the public during stakeholder consultations.
They argued that public participation should not be treated as a formality and insisted that views collected from citizens and business communities must be taken seriously before the bill is passed into law.
Some of the lobby groups have now threatened to organise nationwide protests if their concerns are not addressed. They said they are also considering legal action against certain sections of the bill, claiming that some proposals could be unconstitutional or may not have followed the proper legislative process.
Despite the criticism, government officials have defended the Finance Bill 2026, saying the country needs additional revenue to support development projects and maintain public services.
According to the government, the proposed reforms are meant to strengthen fiscal stability and reduce dependence on borrowing.
Officials maintain that raising local revenue is necessary to fund key sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and security.
They also insist that the government is trying to create a more sustainable economy through the proposed tax changes.
The debate around the Finance Bill 2026 continues to grow across the country, with increasing pressure on lawmakers to find a balance between generating revenue and protecting Kenyans from further economic strain.
