The Finance Bill 2026 passed its Second Reading in the National Assembly on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, amidst heated arguments between government and opposition lawmakers over tax proposals.

• The Bill, a key part of the Sh4.82 trillion 2026/27 budget, aims to raise funds through domestic and external borrowing to cover a projected fiscal deficit of Sh1.14 trillion.
• Opposition MPs, including Deputy Minority Leader Robert Mbui, accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of rushing the legislative process and suppressing debate, citing concerns over alleged hidden taxes and inadequate public participation.
• Key areas expected to face further debate include tax measures affecting the mitumba (second-hand clothes) sector, manufacturers, mobile phone users, and the electric vehicle industry, with National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah defending the Bill against claims of punitive taxation.

The Kenyan Parliament is reportedly divided as the Finance Bill 2026 undergoes its second reading. This comes amid a nationwide matatu strike protesting increased fuel prices.

• The article highlights the ongoing matatu strike.
• Key entities involved include the Kenyan Parliament.
• The situation is exacerbated by rising fuel prices.

Kenyan Members of Parliament are reportedly rebelling against President Ruto's proposed tax bill, leading to widespread dismay. The article also touches upon a nationwide matatu strike initiated by operators protesting escalating fuel prices.

• A significant number of MPs have rejected President Ruto's tax proposals.
• The protesting matatu operators are voicing concerns over increased fuel costs.
• Details on the specific tax proposals and the extent of the matatu strike are expected within the full report.

Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga was ejected from the National Assembly ahead of the Finance Bill 2026 vote. The legislator was expelled by Temporary Speaker Farah Maalim for disorderly conduct.

• The ejection occurred during the committee stage of the Finance Bill 2026 vote.
• Key persons involved are Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga and Temporary Speaker Farah Maalim.
• Mr. Kalasinga claimed his ejection was to reduce opposition numbers needed to defeat punitive clauses in the bill, stating his mistake was questioning a point of order.

The Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) has lodged a complaint with the High Court against Parliament's rapid approval of the Finance Bill 2026.

• COFEK accuses Parliament of disregarding consumer rights and public participation in enacting sweeping tax changes.
• Key concerns include proposed taxes on digital payments, virtual assets, and scrap metal, alongside the removal of VAT exemptions on essential goods.
• The federation argues these measures will increase costs for consumers and small businesses, potentially impacting privacy rights.

Kenyan lawmakers engaged in a heated debate in the National Assembly over a Ksh1 billion allocation to State House in the Supplementary Estimates II for the 2025/26 financial year. The debate was instigated by concerns over the justification and transparency of these expenditures.

• A significant Ksh1 billion has been earmarked for State House operations within the supplementary budget.
• Key figures involved include Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, who raised concerns, and Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security Chair Gabriel Tongoyo, who defended the allocations.
• Concerns were also raised about allocations to the Office of the Deputy President (Ksh200 million) and the National Intelligence Service (Ksh3.5 billion), with allegations of use for political campaigning.