By Fridah Mbuvi, June 19, 2026
The National Assembly has passed the Finance Bill 2026 after a majority of Members of Parliament voted in favor of the legislation, paving the way for its transmission to President William Ruto for assent.
The Bill sailed through with 122 lawmakers voting in support against 40 who opposed it, securing the revenue measures required to finance the government’s Sh4.8 trillion budget for the 2026/2027 financial year.
The vote saw members of the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition and allies within the broad-based government ranks unite behind the legislation, while lawmakers aligned to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua formed the core of the opposition bloc.
The division vote followed calls by Gachagua for his allies to remain in the chamber and force a recorded vote to publicly reveal each legislator’s position on the controversial Bill.
Before its passage, the Finance and National Planning Committee introduced several amendments after receiving views from the public and stakeholders during nationwide consultations.
A number of contentious tax proposals that had attracted criticism from civil society organizations, businesses and consumers were either removed or revised by lawmakers.
Treasury officials defended the final framework, arguing that it seeks to strengthen tax administration, enhance revenue collection and reduce dependence on public borrowing without increasing pressure on the cost of living.
However, opponents maintained that the measures retained in the Bill would still place additional strain on households already grappling with high living expenses.
With Parliament having approved the legislation at the Third Reading stage, the Bill will now be forwarded to State House for presidential consideration.
President Ruto is expected to review the final version and either sign it into law or refer it back to Parliament with recommendations.
Once assented to, the Finance Act 2026 will provide the legal framework for revenue collection and implementation of tax measures needed to support government spending during the 2026/2027 financial year beginning in July.
