Kenya's Finance Bill Passes with Low MP Turnout Amid Public Anger

Kenya's National Assembly passed the Finance Bill 2026 by a narrow 122-40 margin on Thursday, amending income tax, VAT, excise duties, and more to raise KES 98 billion in new revenue for the 2026/27 fiscal year.

The bill targets digital services, non-resident rentals, and interchange fees while dropping some harsher proposals, and now awaits President William Ruto's assent with potential changes starting January 1, 2027.

Critics like former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua labeled absentees enablers of an oppressive measure, as public outrage spread over the low turnout and calls for accountability grew.