Hard truths.
Speaking on Radio Generation on Monday, Kinuthia said lawmakers should take clear positions on major national issues rather than sidestep politically sensitive votes.
Deputy government spokesperson explained that some narratives presented during the debate were inaccurate and contributed to confusion about the actual contents of the Finance Bill 2026
Speaking on Radio Generation on Wednesday, Muthuma argued that many Kenyans had formed opinions on key government policies without directly interacting with them.
The law is tied to the Sh4.8 trillion national budget for the 2026/27 fiscal year, which the government aims to finance through the measures outlined in the Bill.
The Finance Bill 2026, proposed several tax changes, including a deemed 5% tax on imported second-hand clothing (mitumba) based on customs value, which traders would pay at the point of importation
The National Treasury had first proposed a specific excise duty of Sh7.5 per kilogram on imported sugar, with exemptions for sugar meant for pharmaceutical use and licensed refiners.
The National Assembly passed the Finance Bill, 2026, in its Third Reading with 122 votes in favour against 40 nays. The vote is among efforts by the government to fund the Sh4.8 trillion budget for the 2026-27...
The Finance Bill, 2026 was approved in the National Assembly after 122 MPs backed it, 40 rejected it, and none abstained. However, a much larger number, 187 MPs including Nyoro, were not present during the vote...
Although the National Assembly has 349 members, the voting pattern has become more fluid due to political realignments that blur party lines.
The Senator argued that the Bill, in its current form, places locally assembled products at a disadvantage by making imported finished goods cheaper while increasing the cost of local production
Gachagua also cautioned that MPs who skip the vote would be seen as taking a position against the interests of ordinary citizens, arguing that absence in such a decision cannot be neutral
National Treasury says Finance Bill 2026 will amend the Tax Procedures Act so collection for Commissioner-favourable judgments only stops with a stay order. Business leaders and tax experts warn it may pressure...