Kenyans have been handed a rare early chance to influence the country’s next tax regime, as the National Treasury invites the public to submit proposals for changes to tax policy ahead of the 2026/2027 national budget.
In a public notice by the Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, the ministry said the move is meant to strengthen transparency, accountability, and public participation values increasingly defining public expectations around how the government raises and spends revenue.
Citing Articles 201 and 232 of the Constitution, as well as provisions of the Public Finance Management Act, Treasury said that it is a responsibility of citizens, county governments, civil society groups and the private sector to shape national fiscal priorities.
“The National Treasury hereby invites the members of the public, the national government, and other stakeholders to make submissions for consideration in the fiscal budget for the Financial Year 2026/2027,” the notice read.
Treasury CS John Mbadi, who recently oversaw the signing of a concessional loan agreement with IFAD on June 23, said the ministry is particularly keen on well-argued proposals for amendments to existing tax laws which will feed into the Finance Bill 2026.
He called on Kenyans to tie their proposals to the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, BETA, which anchors its attention on economic recovery, job creation, and inclusivity through a value-chain approach.
“Each proposal should clearly identify the tax law or provision to be amended, outline the issue being addressed, and provide evidence-based justification,” said Mr Mbadi, adding that the submissions will guide government revenue-raising measures for the coming year.
The call for public input comes against the backdrop of tense national memories of June 2024, during which the Finance Bill 2024 triggered massive demonstrations across the country. Thousands of largely young protesters stormed Parliament in Nairobi, decrying what they said were punitive tax measures that would worsen the cost of living and choke small businesses.
The civil society groups, business associations, and ordinary Kenyans said their views had been ignored in the drafting of the bill-a criticism that forced the government to defend its public participation processes and later make concessions.
Analysts say this new Treasury notice is an attempt to avoid similar unrest and rebuild public trust. It also provides Kenyans with a direct avenue to help construct fairer tax policies before they are drafted.
This invitation is an announcement more than anything to many, signaling a chance to be heard within a process that has periodically felt remote and imposed.
