MPs pass Finance Bill 2026, awaits President Ruto's assent

The legislation was approved on Thursday evening through an electronic vote after lawmakers adopted all amendments proposed by the Finance and National Planning Committee.

A total of 122 Members of Parliament voted in favour of the Bill, while 40 opposed it. No member abstained from the vote.

The House had initially approved the Bill by acclamation. However, after several legislators demanded a division and the required threshold was met, the Speaker directed that a formal electronic vote be conducted in accordance with parliamentary procedures.

The Bill's passage follows weeks of intense debate in the National Assembly, with lawmakers scrutinising a raft of tax and revenue measures proposed by the government.

The Finance Bill 2026 seeks to amend several key tax laws, including the Income Tax Act, Value Added Tax Act, Excise Duty Act, Tax Procedures Act, Miscellaneous Fees and Levies Act, and the Stamp Duty Act. The proposed changes are aimed at broadening the tax base, strengthening compliance, and enhancing revenue mobilisation to support government spending priorities in the 2026/2027 financial year.

During the committee stage, legislators adopted a number of amendments in response to public concerns. These included the removal or revision of some contentious tax proposals, as well as measures aimed at preserving tax reliefs on selected essential goods.