Cyber Disruption Hits Finance Bill Submissions, Committee Confirms Attack Was Intentional
NAIROBI, Kenya – A coordinated cyber disruption overwhelmed the National Assembly’s email system during the public submission window for the Finance Bill 2025, the Finance and Planning Committee has confirmed.
In a statement released Wednesday, the committee revealed that on Saturday, May 31, 2025, Parliament’s official email channels were bombarded by a flood of identical spam messages. The disruption temporarily shut down communication lines just as Kenyans were sending in their views on the proposed tax law.
According to the committee, “The breach in the established system through interference with the official email addresses caused many emails to be received. These emails jammed the system and necessitated the email addresses to be disabled.”
The attack followed a public notice issued on May 13, which invited citizens to submit feedback on the bill. The committee views this cyber activity as a deliberate attempt to obstruct digital engagement in a constitutionally protected public participation process.
Despite the cyber onslaught, the committee stated that it managed to separate valid submissions from the flood of spam. Lawmakers affirmed their commitment to ensuring that citizen input continues to shape the tax and fiscal framework of the country.
“The Committee notes that misinformation, disinformation, and disruption of electronic communication channels are not avenues of public participation recognized by the Constitution,” the statement added.
Public participation not derailed
The committee maintained that all legitimate submissions received before and during the attack were reviewed. It also encouraged more Kenyans to actively participate in shaping tax policy, noting that public involvement is critical in defining economic priorities and protecting citizens’ interests.
The Finance Bill 2025 has generated widespread public interest, with contentious proposals touching on digital taxes, VAT changes, and levies on basic goods. In this context, the public submission process has become a focal point for engagement and debate.
The cyber disruption highlights growing concerns about digital security in the legislative process. It raises questions about the vulnerability of official platforms used for public input on crucial national policies.
The National Assembly has not yet disclosed the origin of the spam messages, and it remains unclear whether further investigations into the source of the attack are underway.
Committee calls for continued public engagement
The Finance and Planning Committee applauded citizens who made legitimate submissions and emphasized the importance of credible, fact-based participation.
“This process is a constitutional right and an essential part of shaping our fiscal direction,” the committee said.
While the email disruption affected one channel, the committee continues to receive public views through other formal means, including in-person hearings and written memoranda.
The committee is expected to present its final report and recommendations before the National Assembly later this month. The Finance Bill is one of the most significant pieces of legislation each year, directly impacting taxes, government spending, and the overall economic outlook.
