By Fridah Mbuvi, June 18, 2026
The National Assembly is set for a tense showdown as Members of Parliament prepare to vote on the Finance Bill 2026, with divisions emerging within the opposition over strategy ahead of the decisive session.
While some opposition legislators have threatened to stage a walkout in protest, Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has directed allied and united opposition lawmakers to remain in the chamber and force a formal division vote to ensure every MP’s position is placed on record.
The move comes as Parliament enters the Committee of the Whole House stage, where legislators are expected to consider amendments to individual clauses before the bill proceeds to a final vote.
At the center of the debate is the government’s plan to raise approximately Sh98.9 billion in additional revenue, with several provisions drawing criticism from opposition lawmakers and interest groups.
Among the most contentious issues are claims that changes to Value Added Tax (VAT) could indirectly increase the cost of second-hand clothes, popularly known as mitumba, thereby affecting thousands of traders who depend on the sector for their livelihoods.
Lawmakers have also raised concerns over proposed levies on digital transactions and mobile money services, arguing that the measures could increase the cost of doing business for small enterprises and informal traders.
Another point of contention is the absence of a promised Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax relief for workers earning below Sh30,000, with some legislators accusing the government of failing to deliver on earlier commitments aimed at easing the burden on low-income earners.
Critics of the bill have further argued that some tax measures could discourage local manufacturing by making imported finished products more competitive, potentially undermining efforts to create jobs for young people.
However, the Kenya Kwanza administration has defended the proposals, insisting that the Finance Bill seeks to close loopholes in the tax system without introducing punitive measures.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has maintained that the bill is necessary to support government expenditure and sustain economic growth, dismissing claims that it unfairly burdens ordinary Kenyans.
The legislation has already passed the second reading stage and now faces its most critical phase, where MPs will debate and vote on amendments clause by clause.
With political tensions rising and differing strategies emerging within the opposition, the outcome of the Committee of the Whole House proceedings is expected to determine the final shape of one of the most closely watched pieces of legislation this year.
