The National Treasury has invited Kenyans and key stakeholders to submit proposals for tax policy changes ahead of the 2026/2027 national budget.
The call, issued in a public notice by Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, seeks to strengthen transparency, accountability, and public participation in key financial decisions.
Citing Articles 201 and 232 of the Constitution and the Public Finance Management Act, the Treasury said citizens, county governments, civil society groups, and the private sector all have a right and responsibility to help shape national fiscal priorities.
“The National Treasury hereby invites the members of the public, the national government, and other stakeholders to make submissions for consideration in the fiscal budget for the Financial Year 2026/2027,” the notice read.
The ministry is specifically seeking proposals for amendments to existing tax laws to be incorporated into the Finance Bill 2026.
It says the submission should align with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which focuses on economic recovery, job creation, and inclusive growth through a value-chain approach.
“Each proposal should clearly identify the tax law or provision to be amended, outline the issue being addressed, and provide evidence-based justification,” Mbadi stated.
He added that the inputs will help inform revenue-raising measures designed to strengthen fiscal sustainability while supporting national economic growth.
The announcement comes in the context of past unrest over finance bills. In June 2024, widespread protests erupted across the country after the Finance Bill 2024 was tabled in Parliament.
Thousands of protesters stormed the parliament building in Nairobi in response to the passing of the 2024 finance bill.
Demonstrators, including business groups, civil society organizations, and members of the public, criticised proposed tax measures, arguing that they would increase the cost of living and harm small businesses.
Protestors, who were mainly youth, argued that their views were not considered during the drafting of the Finance Bill. Protests highlighted a strong demand for more public participation and consultation in decision-making, a gap the Treasury now aims to address more actively.
Analysts say this public call is an opportunity for Kenyans to directly influence policy, ensure fairness in taxation, and avoid the unrest witnessed in 2024.
