NAIROBI, Kenya – The Finance Bill 2025 has been formally referred to the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning for consideration during the ongoing parliamentary recess, following a directive from National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
In a notification issued Monday, Speaker Wetang’ula confirmed that the Finance Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 19 of 2025) had matured for First Reading and was deemed a legislative priority.
The Bill, which was published on May 6, proposes amendments to various tax laws and other related statutes.
“Upon determination that the Bill is of priority, I have referred it to the relevant committee in line with Standing Order 127,” Wetang’ula said.
The order allows priority legislation to proceed through committee stages during parliamentary recesses.
The decision was made in response to a formal request from the Leader of the Majority Party, who asked that the Finance Bill be listed among urgent matters to be addressed immediately after the House resumes sittings on Tuesday, May 27.
The Speaker’s directive now tasks the Finance and National Planning Committee with expediting scrutiny of the Bill, conducting public participation, and submitting a report when the House reconvenes.
The Clerk of the National Assembly has also been instructed to notify all Members of Parliament and facilitate the committee’s work, including stakeholder engagements.
This move ensures that debate on the Finance Bill can proceed without delay upon resumption of Parliament, a sign that the government is keen to fast-track its fiscal agenda ahead of the 2025/26 budget cycle.
While the contents of the Bill have not been publicly debated yet, Finance Bills typically introduce changes to taxation, revenue collection, and economic regulation.
These often draw close scrutiny from industry, civil society, and the public due to their wide-ranging implications.
Public hearings and submissions on the Bill are expected in the coming weeks, as the committee prepares to present its report to the House.
