Lilian Nyiva
Mbadi Defends Finance Bill 2026 During Live Media Briefing
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has defended the proposed Finance Bill 2026 during an ongoing public media engagement, urging Kenyans not to allow politics and misinformation to overshadow the contents of the bill.
Politicians on misleading citizens
Speaking during a live briefing and interview session, Mbadi has dismissed claims that the government is introducing new taxes on land ownership, accusing some political leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka, of spreading propaganda meant to alarm the public.
Mbadi maintained that the Finance Bill 2026 is not focused on increasing tax rates but rather on expanding the tax base and improving tax collection efficiency. According to the Treasury CS, the government learned lessons from the backlash surrounding the 2024 Finance Bill and deliberately avoided introducing heavy new taxes on ordinary Kenyans.
During the live session, Mbadi has stated that many Kenyans capable of paying taxes are currently outside the tax system, leaving salaried workers to carry most of the burden. He said the government is now targeting better compliance, especially among self-employed professionals, landlords, and informal sector businesses.
The CS has also clarified several controversial proposals that have sparked public debate in recent weeks. He said reports claiming there would be taxes on land, mobile phones, and bottled water are misleading. Mbadi further noted that proposals affecting the mitumba sector had already been revised after consultations with stakeholders.
Mbadi emphasized that the Treasury is prioritizing modernization of tax collection through digital systems and automation rather than imposing punitive tax measures. He argued that expanding the tax base would help reduce pressure on already compliant taxpayers.
The remarks come as political debate over the Finance Bill 2026 intensifies across the country. Opposition leaders have criticized the government’s economic policies, warning that Kenyans are already struggling with the high cost of living, inflation, and unemployment.
However, Mbadi insisted that public discussions about the Finance Bill should be guided by facts and official documents instead of political rhetoric. He called on leaders to engage responsibly and avoid misleading citizens about the contents of the proposed law.
