NAIROBI, Kenya — The National Treasury has officially commenced preparations for the Finance Bill 2027, launching the process months earlier than usual to ensure the country’s budget cycle is completed before the 2027 General Election.
In a public notice dated July 27, the Treasury invited Kenyans, businesses, professional bodies and other stakeholders to submit tax policy proposals for consideration in the upcoming Finance Bill.
The move marks the formal start of the 2027 budget-making process, with the government citing the need to fast-track the legislative timetable because of next year’s elections.
According to the Treasury, the Finance Bill 2027 will be prepared and submitted to the National Assembly in January 2027, significantly earlier than the traditional schedule.
The Treasury has asked stakeholders to propose specific amendments to tax laws, accompanied by clear justifications supported by evidence or sound economic analysis.
In addition to domestic tax proposals, stakeholders have also been invited to submit recommendations on East African Community (EAC) Customs measures, including tariff adjustments and duty remission schemes.
The Ministry said all proposals should align with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which seeks to drive economic growth through value chain development, increased productivity and job creation.
Interested individuals and organisations have until August 31, 2026, to submit their proposals either physically or through the Treasury’s designated email address.
The early commencement of the process comes just weeks after the Treasury initiated separate public participation on proposed adjustments to Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax bands.
According to the notice, the accelerated timetable is intended to prevent disruptions to government operations during the 2027 election period.
“Cognizant that year 2027 is an election year, there is need to fast-track the National Fiscal Budget process to ensure smooth government operations. It is therefore imperative that the process of preparing the Finance Bill, 2027 begins early enough to ensure that the Finance Act, 2027 is enacted before Parliament breaks in preparation for the General Elections,” the Treasury said in the notice.
