Residents of Kilifi County have voiced strong opposition to several tax measures proposed in Kenya’s Finance Bill 2026, warning that the new levies could significantly increase the cost of living and place additional financial pressure on households already grappling with economic challenges.
The concerns emerged during public participation hearings organized by the National Assembly’s Finance and National Planning Committee, which recently concluded county-level consultations on the proposed legislation.
Among the most contentious proposals are taxes targeting mobile phones upon activation, digital financial transactions, bank cards, and betting winnings. Participants argued that the measures would make essential communication and financial services more expensive, particularly for low-income households and small businesses that increasingly depend on digital platforms for everyday transactions.
Many residents expressed concern that additional taxes on mobile and digital services could undermine financial inclusion efforts by discouraging the use of mobile money and other electronic payment systems that have become integral to Kenya’s economy.
“The cost of living is already high, and introducing more taxes on services that people use daily will only make life harder for ordinary citizens,” one participant said during the hearings.
The proposed taxation of betting winnings also generated considerable debate. While some residents supported higher taxes as a means of discouraging gambling and addressing its social consequences, others cautioned that excessive taxation could drive bettors toward unregulated and illegal platforms, making enforcement more difficult and potentially reducing government revenue.
Members of Parliament serving on the Finance and National Planning Committee assured residents that all views collected during the public participation exercise would be carefully reviewed before the Bill advances through the legislative process.
Committee members acknowledged that some of the proposed measures have also attracted concern among lawmakers and indicated that further scrutiny and possible amendments could be considered before the legislation is finalized.
“The purpose of public participation is to ensure that citizens have a voice in shaping policies that affect their daily lives. All submissions received will be evaluated as part of the committee’s report to Parliament,” a committee member noted.
The Finance Bill 2026 introduces a range of revenue-raising measures intended to support the government’s expenditure plans for the 2026/27 financial year and strengthen domestic revenue collection.
However, critics argue that the government must strike a balance between raising revenue and protecting citizens from additional financial strain. As consultations conclude across the country, the government faces growing pressure to reconsider some of the more controversial proposals.
The outcome of the parliamentary review process is expected to determine whether the contested taxes remain part of the final legislation or are revised in response to public concerns. The Finance and National Planning Committee is expected to compile submissions from all counties before presenting its recommendations to Parliament for debate and consideration.
