In a significant shift aimed at promoting transparency and efficiency, the Kenyan government has officially launched a digital public participation process for the Finance Bill 2025. This move, according to Finance and Planning Committee Chairperson Kuria Kimani, is designed to broaden citizen engagement and address the shortcomings witnessed during last year’s controversial Finance Bill 2024 process.
The virtual public participation exercise, which began on Thursday, marks the start of a two-week period during which Kenyans are invited to share their views on two crucial legislative proposals: the Finance Bill 2025 and the Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill 2025. The hearings are currently underway at the Edge Convention Centre in South C, Nairobi, but in a marked departure from traditional in-person forums, the majority of input will now be collected online.
Virtual Access via QR Code
To facilitate this new digital format, Chairperson Kuria Kimani unveiled a QR code system that allows the public and stakeholders to easily access both Bills and submit their feedback directly online. This tool is central to the government’s push for greater inclusivity, as it ensures that participation is not limited by geography or time constraints.
“We have officially commenced public hearings on two critical Bills: the Finance Bill, 2025, and the Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill, 2025,” said Kuria during Thursday’s public briefing. “Both Bills are being reviewed concurrently, with input from the public and key stakeholders. To ensure inclusive participation, please submit your views virtually via the QR code.”
He further emphasized that online participation would not only save time but also allow more citizens — particularly those unable to attend physical meetings — to be heard.
A Response to Past Public Outcry
The decision to digitize the public participation process comes in the wake of the Finance Bill 2024, which sparked significant public backlash and street protests. Citizens and civil society organizations had criticized last year’s process for lacking transparency and genuine engagement. Many felt that their views were either not considered or not captured at all.
“The National Assembly committed that this time around, we would not just have the traditional KICC meetings,” Kuria explained, referencing the Kenyatta International Conference Centre, a typical venue for such sessions. “There are not many people who have the time to leave their workplaces and physically give their views. By digitizing the process, we are democratizing participation.”
The 2024 protests were a wake-up call for the government, highlighting the urgent need for reforms in how fiscal policies are developed and communicated. With public trust at stake, the shift to an online platform represents not just a logistical change, but also a political and social commitment to more open governance.
Benefits of the Digital Approach
According to proponents of the new system, digital public participation offers several advantages:
- Increased Accessibility: Citizens from across the country, including remote and rural areas, can now access the Finance Bill 2025 and submit their opinions without the need to travel.
- Time and Cost Efficiency: Both the government and participants save on costs associated with physical meetings — including venue hire, travel expenses, and time off work.
- Data Collection and Analysis: Online submissions can be easily organized, analyzed, and referenced, enabling more structured feedback and informed decision-making.
- Wider Demographic Reach: Younger, tech-savvy Kenyans who may not usually participate in public forums now have a convenient way to get involved.
Kuria noted that the National Assembly’s Finance and Planning Committee will carefully review all submissions made through the virtual portal before presenting the final version of the Finance Bill 2025 to Parliament for debate.
Call to Action: Kenyans Urged to Participate
The government is urging all citizens to take advantage of the new system and actively contribute their views. The participation process is open to individuals, businesses, and institutions alike. Public engagement is particularly vital for the Finance Bill 2025, which is expected to outline key revenue measures, taxation proposals, and fiscal policies for the upcoming financial year.
“This is your opportunity to be heard. Don’t let it pass you by,” Kuria urged. “We are laying the foundation for a more inclusive and transparent Kenya.”
He encouraged Kenyans to review the full text of the Finance Bill 2025, understand how it might impact their lives and businesses, and submit detailed responses through the official portal.
The Role of Technology in Governance
The use of digital tools in governance has been growing steadily in Kenya, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many institutions to adopt remote and digital operations. This new public participation model builds on those lessons, potentially setting a precedent for how future legislative and policy discussions are handled.
Experts in public policy and digital transformation have praised the initiative as a necessary modernization of governance processes. However, some have raised concerns about digital literacy and internet accessibility in marginalized communities, warning that efforts must be made to ensure no group is left behind.
To this end, the Finance Committee has said it will work with county governments, civil society groups, and local media to publicize the digital platform and provide assistance where needed.
Looking Ahead
The Finance Bill 2025 will likely include far-reaching proposals on taxation, public spending, and investment incentives, all of which will affect everyday Kenyans. By ensuring that the public has a say in its formulation, the government is hoping to preempt controversy and create policies that enjoy broad support.
As the country watches this process unfold, the success of the digital participation model may serve as a benchmark for future engagement on national issues — from education and healthcare to energy and digital economy reforms.
With the Finance and Planning Committee leading the charge, and public sentiment still fresh from last year’s protests, the pressure is on to deliver a process that is not only inclusive but genuinely responsive.