Kenyans across the nation have voiced apprehensions regarding the Finance Bill 2026, with numerous individuals stating they have not yet comprehended the document before the upcoming televised discussion with Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi.
The live town hall event is set for May 20, 2026, between 6:30 pm and 9:00 pm.
These concerns arise as the Finance Bill 2026 undergoes public participation prior to parliamentary debate, with Kenyans expected to present their submissions to the National Assembly by May 25.
Multiple residents interviewed emphasized the need for broader public awareness and increased transparency, noting that many ordinary Kenyans still fail to grasp the bill’s provisions.
Faith, a Kiambu resident, mentioned she had not reviewed the bill, alleging it had not been sufficiently distributed among the public.
“I wish to inquire of CS Mbadi, when he served as an MP, he frequently complained about the high cost of living. Now in his current position, why can’t he reduce it for us?” she questioned.
Solomon Kimani, another Kiambu resident, similarly stated he had not examined the bill and criticized the government for not openly involving citizens.
“I have not examined the Finance Bill 2026/2027 as it is nowhere to be found. It appears decisions are being made covertly, then implementing measures Kenyans are unaware of before imposing excessive taxes, similar to 2024/2025, which sparked protests,” he explained.
Samuel Wanyoike, a motorcycle taxi operator from Kiambu, noted that increasing prices of motorcycles and spare parts were complicating business operations and urged the Treasury to consider cost reductions.
“The motorcycle I previously owned was priced at KSh130,000, but now costs KSh170,000. I want to ask CS Mbadi what measures he can implement to reduce these prices. Even spare parts like tires that once cost KSh2,500 now retail at KSh5,000. I would like these costs to be lowered,” he stated.
Moses, a Limuru resident, called upon Members of Parliament to thoroughly examine the bill before granting approval.
“My appeal to MPs is that they should carefully scrutinize the proposals they are considering. They should not endorse measures simply because they have been tabled. They must assess whether these policies benefit ordinary citizens since it is we who elected them,” he emphasized.
Victor Esika from Mombasa stated that the Finance Bill should prioritize the welfare of ordinary citizens, while Denil Muthoka from Machakos highlighted that many Kenyans still do not fully comprehend the bill’s provisions and urged the government to ensure proper public engagement.
“Among those who have comprehended it, we have identified numerous errors, and several aspects require amendments. Therefore, we are demanding meaningful public participation so that every Kenyan can first understand the Finance Bill and determine whether it benefits or complicates their lives,” Muthoka explained.
The town hall event, taking place at the Chandaria Auditorium in the University of Nairobi, will be broadcast live on TV47 and various social media platforms from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm, offering citizens the chance to directly interact with Treasury CS John Mbadi, comprehend the Finance Bill 2026’s contents, and raise concerns affecting their daily lives.
This article originally appeared on Radio47.