NAIROBI, Kenya – Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has intensified his opposition to the Finance Bill 2026/2027, warning that the proposed law contains measures that could worsen the economic burden on ordinary Kenyans and urging President William Ruto not to sign it into law.
In a statement issued after Parliament passed the Bill, Owino described the legislation as “dangerous” and argued that several of its provisions would negatively affect taxpayers, businesses and households already struggling with the high cost of living.
“The Finance Bill 2026/2027 is dangerous and will hurt Kenyans. The President should not sign it into law,” the MP said.
Owino has been among the most vocal critics of the Bill throughout the parliamentary process, raising concerns over a number of proposed tax and administrative changes.
One of the provisions he strongly opposed seeks to reduce the period within which taxpayers file their tax returns from six months to four months.
Speaking during a recent press briefing, the legislator argued that the proposal could create confusion for taxpayers and place additional pressure on the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) systems, which have previously experienced technical challenges during peak filing periods.
Owino noted that KRA’s online platform experienced disruptions during last year’s tax filing deadline despite taxpayers having a six-month filing window. He questioned how the system would cope if the filing period were shortened further.
The MP further claimed that many of the Bill’s provisions do not adequately reflect the interests of ordinary citizens and could increase compliance burdens on individuals and businesses.
His remarks come amid continued debate over the Finance Bill 2026, which has drawn mixed reactions from lawmakers, business groups and civil society organizations.
Supporters argue the measures are necessary to raise revenue and reduce Kenya’s dependence on borrowing, while critics contend that some proposals could increase the cost of doing business and place additional pressure on consumers.
The Bill now awaits presidential assent. If signed by President Ruto, it will become law and form part of the government’s revenue-raising measures for the 2026/2027 financial year.
Owino has maintained that the legislation should be rejected and reviewed to better protect taxpayers and support economic growth.
