Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has welcomed increased public interest and debate surrounding the proposed Finance Bill 2026, saying many Kenyans appear to have taken time to read and understand the document.
Mbadi said the ongoing national discussions on the Bill showed that citizens were becoming more engaged in the budget-making process.
Speaking during a public participation forum with Bunge la Wananchi members at Jeevanjee Gardens, the Treasury CS, however, accused some individuals of spreading propaganda for political gain.
He urged Kenyans to distinguish between facts and misinformation regarding the proposed legislation.
“I’m happy because I have seen that most of you have read the Bill because of the ongoing discussions. There are a lot of things that are in the Bill that we are talking about, and that tells me clearly that you have read the Bill,” Mbadi said.
“I know some people are spreading propaganda for political mileage. They must politic, that we know, but they must separate myths and fiction from facts.”
Mbadi noted that his engagement with members of the public was intended to clarify the contents of the Bill and gather views that could help shape the final document before it is debated and approved by Parliament.
The CS further argued that criticism of the Finance Bill should be based on what is contained in the document rather than on proposals or expectations that were not included.
“I have come here to understand where the truth is, what it is that is in the 2026 Bill. I have noticed that some people are saying the Bill is bad, but what they are saying is what should have been in the Bill, not what is in the Bill and is bad. Those are two different things,” Mbadi said.
He encouraged Kenyans to formally submit proposals and recommendations during the ongoing public participation process, saying there was still room for amendments before Parliament passes the final version.
“You can’t say the Bill is bad because it has left out some of the things you wanted included. You can propose what you want included if we have the chance to add it to the final product that will be approved by Parliament,” he added.
The Finance Bill 2026 has continued to attract public debate across the country, with various stakeholders scrutinising proposed tax and fiscal measures.
The Bill contains revenue-raising measures aimed at helping the government meet its Sh3.63 trillion revenue target for the 2026-27 financial year and has already sparked intense public debate ahead of parliamentary consideration.
Treasury CS Mbadi defended the revenue-raising proposals, saying they do not aim to tax Kenyans more, but rather increase the tax base by ensuring more people pay taxes so those already paying do not strain.
MPs will consider public input and, unless amended, the measures are expected to take effect from July 1, 2026, or January 1, 2027, following Presidential assent.
