Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has defended the controversial Finance Bill 2026 and accused some leaders of misleading Kenyans over the proposed tax measures, even as pressure mounts against the new proposals targeting the digital economy.
Speaking on Tuesday, May 26, during a public participation forum at the Bunge La Mwananchi, Mbadi urged Kenyans to take advantage of the ongoing public participation process instead of mobilising protests against the Bill.
“Wahalifu wako wengi miongoni mwetu, na kwa wale wanaowashawishi Wakenya kujitokeza kuandamana kupinga Mswada huu, nawaomba tuache kuwapotosha wengine kwa kuwa sasa tuna muda wa kuchangia na kuleta suluhisho,” Mbadi said.
The Treasury CS maintained that several claims circulating online about the Finance Bill were misleading and politically driven.
He particularly addressed concerns over alleged new taxes on mobile money transfers, smartphones, bread, digital content creation and cryptocurrency.
Mbadi clarified that the government was not introducing a direct tax on M-Pesa transactions or access to personal mobile money data, insisting the proposals mainly target digital intermediary platforms operating outside traditional financial services.
He further defended the proposed 25 per cent excise duty on mobile phones, saying the measure was being misunderstood because mobile devices already attract several taxes and levies during importation and distribution.
According to Mbadi, the proposal seeks to streamline existing charges rather than introduce a completely new tax burden.
The Finance Bill 2026 has triggered sharp reactions online, especially among young Kenyans, digital creators and small traders who fear higher costs of living and increased pressure on the digital economy.
Even so, Mbadi insisted the government remains open to public views before Parliament debates the Bill, challenging critics to identify specific clauses they oppose instead of spreading fear among wananchi.