Finance Bill 2026 Passed, Awaits President Ruto's Assent

The National Assembly has passed the Finance Bill 2026 with amendments, paving the way for its transmission to President William Ruto for assent before it becomes law.

The legislation was approved on Thursday evening through an electronic vote after lawmakers adopted all amendments proposed by the Finance and National Planning Committee.

A total of 122 Members of Parliament voted in favour of the Bill, while 40 opposed it. No member abstained from the vote.

The House had initially approved the Bill by acclamation. However, after several legislators demanded a division and the required threshold was met, the Speaker directed that a formal electronic vote be conducted in accordance with parliamentary procedures.

The Bill's passage follows weeks of intense debate in the National Assembly, with lawmakers scrutinising a raft of tax and revenue measures proposed by the government.

The Finance Bill 2026 seeks to amend several key tax laws, including the Income Tax Act, Value Added Tax Act, Excise Duty Act, Tax Procedures Act, Miscellaneous Fees and Levies Act, and the Stamp Duty Act. The proposed changes are aimed at broadening the tax base, strengthening compliance, and enhancing revenue mobilisation to support government spending priorities in the 2026/2027 financial year.

During the committee stage, legislators adopted a number of amendments in response to public concerns. These included the removal or revision of some contentious tax proposals, as well as measures aimed at preserving tax reliefs on selected essential goods.

Meanwhile, President William Ruto has applauded Members of Parliament who supported the Finance Bill 2026, describing their decision as a demonstration of leadership, patriotism, and commitment to safeguarding the country’s economic stability.

Speaking during the funeral service of Mama Zipporah Kosgey in Nandi County, the President said lawmakers who backed the Bill had stood firm in the face of what he termed as misinformation, propaganda, and divisive political narratives.

“History will record that when a time was required to stand for the country, you were there. You stood firm for the interests of Kenya and refused to be swayed by propaganda, falsehoods and divisive politics,” Ruto said.

The Head of State defended the legislative process that led to the passage of the Finance Bill 2026.

He argued that critics had failed to point out specific clauses that were harmful to Kenyans, challenging opponents of the Bill to back their claims with clear evidence.

“For the first time they were asked in Parliament if there were specific clauses which are affecting Kenyans in a specific way; show us which clause. They were unable to because they are deceitful,” he added.

Ruto’s remarks come in the wake of a closely watched parliamentary vote on the Finance Bill 2026, which shapes the country’s taxation framework and revenue collection policies for the upcoming financial year.

In the National Assembly, 162 MPs participated in the final vote at the Third Reading stage out of a House comprising 349 elected and nominated members.