MPs clash as Finance Bill 2026 pass Second Reading
Opposition MPs accused the government of using its numerical strength in Parliament to push through controversial tax proposals without giving legislators sufficient time to examine the 124-page Bill..
✨ Key Highlights
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.
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Finance Bill 2026 Passes Second Reading Amid MPs' Clash - June 2026
The Finance Bill 2026 passed its Second Reading in the National Assembly on June 17, 2026, amidst heated arguments between government and opposition lawmakers over tax proposals. The debate wasinstigated by concerns over the justification and transparency of a Ksh1 billion allocation to State House in the Supplementary Estimates II. Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga was ejected from the National Assembly ahead of the vote for disorderly conduct by Temporary Speaker Farah Maalim. The Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) has separately lodged a complaint with the High Court against Parliament's rapid approval of the Finance Bill 2026.
