Kenyan businesses broadly support a proposed tax amnesty program under the Finance Bill, 2026, but are urging lawmakers to extend deadlines and reform laws surrounding tax refunds to avoid liquidity issues.

• The proposed tax amnesty offers full relief from penalties and interest on tax liabilities accrued up to December 31, 2025, if principal amounts are cleared by December 31, 2026.
• Key stakeholders, including KEPSA (Kenya Private Sector Alliance) representing over two million businesses, and tax advisory firm Grant Thornton, have submitted proposals to the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning.
• Concerns were also raised about a proposed drastic shortening of the annual income tax return filing deadline from six months to four months, and the impracticality of a one-month deadline for "Nil" returns.

Cabinet Secretary Mbadi has denied reports suggesting higher tax proposals in the Finance Bill 2026. The allegations have sparked public debate regarding potential tax increases.

• The Finance Bill 2026 is at the center of the controversy.
• Cabinet Secretary Mbadi is the key figure addressing the claims.
• The article addresses public concerns about increased taxation.

Kenya's private sector is pushing back against the proposed digital tax in the Finance Bill 2026, warning it could harm financial flows and the tax base.

• The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) advises against taxing mobile banking services, fearing a shift to informal, untaxable channels.
• KEPSA proposed a 5 percent reduction in Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax as a more beneficial alternative, estimating it could generate KSh210 billion to KSh280 billion.
• The contested tax measures are projected to generate a significantly lower KSh35 billion to KSh90 billion.

Stakeholders and the National Assembly's Finance Committee are raising concerns about potential system inefficiencies at the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), opposing a proposal to shorten the annual tax filing deadline.

• The proposed change in the Finance Bill 2026 would move the annual tax return filing deadline from June 30 to April 30.
• Key organizations opposing the change include Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and tax advisory firm Grant Thornton.
• Committee Chairperson Kuria Kimani has pledged to hold the KRA accountable for improving its backend systems to support taxpayers.

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has defended the Finance Bill, asserting that it will benefit Kenyans. Her statement comes amidst a nationwide matatu strike protesting rising fuel prices.

• Key figure: Esther Passaris, Nairobi Woman Representative
• Event: Defense of the Finance Bill
• Context: Ongoing nationwide matatu strike due to rising fuel prices

Various organizations are submitting their feedback on the Finance Bill 2026/2027 before the National Assembly's Finance and Planning Committee in Nairobi.

• The entities are presenting their views on the proposed financial legislation.
• Representatives from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) are currently making their submissions.
• The committee is gathering diverse opinions to shape the upcoming fiscal policies.

Kenyan lawmakers are cautioning the National Treasury against its Sh4.82 trillion budget for the 2026/27 financial year, citing the risks posed by rising public debt and high oil prices amid global instability.

• The proposed budget is deemed potentially unsustainable due to escalating fuel prices caused by the conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran.
• Key stakeholders include the Members of the National Assembly Committee on Finance and National Planning who fear increased debt burden.
• Noteworthy details include a reduced economic growth forecast to 4.8 per cent and a public debt already at 65.3 per cent of GDP, exceeding the statutory ceiling.