National Assembly Finance Committee Chair Kimani Kuria has suggested that Kenyans could face a fresh wave of taxes in the upcoming Finance Bill 2025, should existing revenue sources prove insufficient to finance the proposed KSh 4.26 trillion budget for the 2025/26 financial year.
Speaking during an interview on NTV on Tuesday, Kuria explained that the government typically funds its budget through three main streams: tax measures, appropriations-in-aid, and donor funding. However, he emphasized that the National Treasury must first assess fourth-quarter revenue data before deciding whether to introduce new tax measures.
“The question becomes, is that sufficient to finance the budget? If not, there will be additional tax measures,” Kuria said. “But if there is evidence to show the existing tax measures, appropriations-in-aid, and donor commitments are sufficient, then there will be no need for a Finance Bill.”
His remarks appear to contradict recent statements by National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, who maintained on Monday that no new taxes are planned.
“We have not concluded the budget process… I want to confirm that I have not signed any proposal to be forwarded to Parliament,” Mbadi said in response to growing speculation.
Tensions surrounding new taxes are still raw after the controversial Finance Bill 2024 sparked nationwide protests and a dramatic storming of Parliament in June 2024. President William Ruto later bowed to public pressure, rejecting several of the bill’s proposed tax measures.
Despite public outcry, Kuria warned that unless major budget cuts are made, additional taxes may be unavoidable — especially considering the large allocations already outlined in the Budget Policy Statement (BPS), including a proposed KSh 49.48 billion allocation to Parliament.
“When the Budget Committee conducts public participation, Kenyans demand more money for roads, health, and dams. But when the Finance Committee meets the public, it’s all opposition to new taxes. The contrast is like heaven and hell,” Kuria said.
Public debate is expected to intensify as the government finalizes its budget and revenue plans, with many Kenyans already bracing for potential tax hikes amid economic strain and concerns over government spending priorities.