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Ogada explained that the Finance Bill, 2026 appears to target imported goods more broadly, a move that effectively places imported Mitumba clothing in the same policy environment as other foreign products
Wetang’ula emphasized that the Constitution does not place any obligation on the President to attend the budget presentation, noting that the process is handled by the National Treasury and Parliament.
The State Department for Housing has asked Parliament to amend the Finance Bill, 2026, to allow KRA to recover unremitted Affordable Housing Levy deductions as civil debt. Affordable Housing Board officials cite enforcement gaps and unpaid amounts exceeding Sh100 billion.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Finance and National Planning during public hearings on the Finance Bill, 2026, the Affordable Housing Fund Board defended the controversial housing levy, sought expanded enforcement powers for the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), and pushed back against proposed tax changes that it warned could sharply increase the cost of houses.
Some participants also raised objections to taxes on betting winnings, saying such earnings are relied upon by many households as a source of income and should not be further reduced through additional deductions.
Led by civil society leader Rashid James, residents said civic education should be integrated into the process before members of the public are asked to give their views on proposed legislation.
Rigathi Gachgua argued that the government's projected expenditure of Sh4.82 trillion was disconnected from the realities facing ordinary citizens
The coalition said the government's approach to the issue had been marked by secrecy and inadequate public engagement at a time when citizens expected clear communication and reassurance.
In a notice issued on May 30,2026, Parliament said the Finance and National Planning Committee will hold public hearings between June 2 and June 8 as required under Article 118(1)(b) of the Constitution.
Rather than introducing additional taxes, the Church proposed stronger enforcement and anti-corruption interventions aimed at maximizing existing revenues and curbing financial leakages.
The regulator raised concerns that enforcing tax on non-cash rewards would be impractical under existing systems. It pointed to prizes such as household goods, electronics, shopping vouchers, spa treatments and car servicing, saying these fall outside easy tax tracking mechanisms.
KEPSA said the Finance Bill comes at a time when Kenya’s fiscal situation remains under pressure, with the National Treasury targeting Sh3.38 trillion in ordinary revenue collection for the 2025/2026 financial year. At the same time, businesses continue to face high production and operational costs.