By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter
Kenya, June 11, 2026 - Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi is expected to present Kenya's 2026/27 Budget Statement in Parliament today, a highly anticipated event that comes amid growing public scrutiny over the Finance Bill 2026 and concerns over the rising cost of living, taxation and the country's mounting debt burden.
The budget presentation comes less than two years after the 2024 Finance Bill triggered nationwide protests that forced President William Ruto to withdraw several controversial tax measures following public backlash.
Since then, Treasury has been walking a delicate balancing act between raising revenue and avoiding proposals that could trigger fresh public resistance.
While Treasury has repeatedly insisted that the Finance Bill 2026 is largely aimed at improving tax administration rather than introducing major new taxes, several provisions have generated intense debate among businesses, consumers and industry groups.
One of the most contentious proposals relates to the taxation of mobile phones.
The government has proposed replacing multiple existing levies with a single 25% excise duty on mobile devices upon activation.
Treasury argues the move will simplify taxation and potentially lower costs in the long term. However, critics fear the measure could ultimately make smartphones more expensive for ordinary Kenyans and undermine digital inclusion efforts.
The digital economy has emerged as another battleground. Business lobby groups led by the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) have opposed proposals that could impose VAT on certain digital financial services, warning that additional costs could discourage digital transactions, increase business expenses and reverse gains made in financial inclusion.
At the same time, Treasury has sought to calm public fears by dismissing widespread reports circulating on social media that the bill introduces new taxes on mobile money transactions, bread, second-hand clothes and digital content creators.
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The National Assembly and Treasury have both issued clarifications stating that several of the most widely discussed proposals are either misrepresented or not contained in the actual bill.
Beyond taxation, today's budget presentation is expected to reveal how the government intends to manage a challenging fiscal environment marked by slowing economic growth, high debt repayments and external pressures arising from instability in the Middle East. The ongoing conflict involving Iran has already contributed to volatility in global energy markets, raising concerns about fuel costs and inflation across East Africa.
Investors will be closely watching whether Mbadi can present what analysts describe as a "credible fiscal path" capable of reducing the budget deficit while sustaining development spending.
Treasury is expected to maintain its focus on fiscal consolidation, debt management and revenue mobilization as Kenya seeks to stabilize public finances.
For many Kenyans, however, the debate goes beyond technical tax measures.
The public participation process revealed widespread concerns from workers, small businesses, landlords, tenants and young entrepreneurs who argue that the cumulative effect of taxes, statutory deductions and rising living costs is placing increasing pressure on household incomes.
As Mbadi rises in Parliament today, the question facing Treasury is no longer simply how to raise revenue.
It is whether the government can convince Kenyans that the burden of financing the country's development and debt obligations is being shared fairly at a time when millions are already struggling with the cost of living.
The answer may determine not only the fate of the Finance Bill 2026 but also public confidence in Kenya's broader economic direction heading into the new financial year.