Experts, lawyers, and industry bodies are warning that the Finance Bill, 2026, grants the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) unprecedented powers, effectively making it judge, jury, and executioner in tax disputes.

• The bill proposes to allow the KRA to reclassify any commercial deal as tax avoidance, seize bank accounts during appeals, and access private payment data without court approval.
• Key opponents include the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA), the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), and the "Big Four" audit firms: Ernst & Young, Deloitte, PwC, and KPMG.
• This is the third consecutive year a similar proposal to freeze bank accounts during appeals has been rejected, highlighting ongoing significant stakeholder opposition.