By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter
Kenya, August 11, 2026 - The National Treasury has invited Kenyans, businesses and other stakeholders to submit proposals on tax laws and administrative measures that could be changed ahead of the 2027 Finance Bill and 2027/28 Budget.
The process, which began on Tuesday, August 11, has been brought forward from the usual budget cycle, with Treasury seeking proposals from members of the public, national and county governments, civil society organisations, professional bodies, private-sector players, religious groups and other stakeholders.
While the invitation opens an opportunity for Kenyans to push for tax relief, Treasury has not announced any specific tax cuts or new taxes.
Instead, stakeholders have been asked to identify specific tax laws or administrative measures they believe should be introduced, removed or amended and explain the reasons for their proposals.
The accelerated process is linked to the fact that 2027 will be a General Election year. Treasury says the Finance Act, 2027 needs to be enacted before Parliament breaks to prepare for the elections.
Under the new timetable, preparation of the Finance Bill 2027 will begin in August 2026, with completion and submission of the Bill to the National Assembly targeted for January 2027.
This means businesses and households will have an unusually early opportunity to raise concerns over taxes that affect the cost of doing business, investment, employment and household expenses.
Treasury is also asking stakeholders to support their proposals with evidence and analysis.
Each submission should identify the specific tax provision being targeted, explain the problem it creates and provide justification for the proposed amendment. Where applicable, stakeholders are also required to identify the relevant East African Community customs tariff line or policy instrument.
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The consultation also extends to regional trade policy, with Treasury inviting proposals on the EAC Common External Tariff, Duty Remission Scheme and other customs measures that will feed into the FY2027/28 EAC Budget process.
For manufacturers, importers and exporters, the process provides an opportunity to push for changes to customs rules that they argue increase production or trading costs.
The call comes against a difficult fiscal environment for the government, which continues to pursue higher domestic revenue collection while dealing with increased expenditure needs, constrained debt-carrying capacity and limits on raising additional revenue.
Treasury has therefore urged stakeholders to submit proposals that are realistic, fiscally responsible and responsive to prevailing economic conditions.
For Kenyans seeking lower taxes, the consultation provides an avenue to make that case, but the final outcome will depend on which proposals Treasury adopts, the government's revenue needs and the subsequent parliamentary process.
The submission deadline is August 31, 2026.