Kenya’s National Assembly is asking the public to weigh in on sweeping tax changes proposed in the Finance Bill 2025 an annual legislative ritual that could have a direct impact on the cost of living, business operations, and government revenue.
The invitation, published Tuesday in a local daily, comes as part of Parliament’s constitutional duty to involve the public in shaping laws.
“The National Assembly invites you to submit your views on the Finance Bill 2025,” the notice reads, encouraging Kenyans to send written memoranda by 27 May via email.
The bill, tabled recently in Parliament and sponsored by Molo MP Kuria Kimani, seeks to amend several core tax laws, including the Income Tax Act, Value Added Tax Act, Excise Duty Act, and the Tax Procedures Act. It also proposes adjustments to the Stamp Duty Act and the Miscellaneous Fees and Levies Act.
In simple terms, this is the bill that lays out how the government plans to raise money for its budget. While the official language describes the changes as aimed at “easing tax administration” and “cleaning up outdated references,” the real impact could be felt in everything from fuel prices to small business operations.
A Push for Wider Participation
Mr Kimani, who chairs the Finance and Planning Committee, has been vocal about updating how public feedback is gathered. Speaking in a recent interview, he questioned whether traditional town halls are still effective.
“One of the conversations we’re having is about how outdated some of these forums are,” Kimani said. “We call people to a meeting at KICC in Nairobi but how many Kenyans can afford to leave their jobs to show up?”
Instead, he’s advocating for a broader approach that includes social media as a recognised platform for civic input.
“Perhaps we need to consider taking comments from platforms like X and Facebook seriously,” he added. “Not everyone will write an email. But they can still be heard.”
Still, not everyone is convinced that online engagement can replace formal submissions. Civil society groups and legal experts warn that informal feedback, while useful, must be backed by documented, verifiable participation to meet constitutional standards.
What’s at Stake?
The Finance Bill is one of the most closely watched pieces of legislation each year. It usually includes tax hikes, new levies, or changes that could either spur economic growth or place more strain on households already dealing with high living costs.
While full details of the proposed amendments are yet to be dissected publicly, past bills have sparked backlash particularly where new taxes on essential goods have been proposed without adequate public explanation.
With public trust in government spending still fragile, many Kenyans are keen to understand how this year’s proposals will affect them.
“It’s not just about consultation—it’s about being listened to,” said Irene Wanjiru, a Nairobi-based accountant. “The government needs to show that our views actually count when they’re making these decisions.”
How to Participate
Kenyans wishing to submit their views must send their memoranda to [email protected] and [email protected] by 27 May. Submissions should include the sender’s name and contact details.
Whether through email or eventually through digital platforms, the Finance Committee insists that this year’s process will aim to be more open than ever.
But as always, the real test will come when the bill is debated on the floor and whether any of the public’s concerns make it into the final law.
