Parliament of Kenya

𝐔𝐧𝐛𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 #𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 : On Proposed VAT exemptions on approved Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects

To boost public infrastructure like roads, power, and water projects, the proposes VAT exemptions for approved PPP projects. More investments mean better services and more jobs for Kenyans!

Read the full document via the QR code.

𝐔𝐧𝐛𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 #𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: What does the mean for travellers and the diaspora community? ✈️🧳

The Finance Bill 2026 proposes a significant increase in the duty-free allowance for personal goods brought into the country.

-Current Limit: US$ 300
-Proposed Limit: US$ 2,000 📈

What does this mean for you? Kenyans returning home and visitors can bring in higher-value personal items completely tax-free and without paying VAT. This means more value, more convenience, and a big boost to our tourism sector!

📲 Want to check out the details? Scan the QR code on the poster to access the published Bill.

𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐏𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖𝐒 𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐏𝐔𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐒 𝐍𝐋𝐂 𝐃𝐄𝐅𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐃 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐄, 𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐋 𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

The Public Petitions Committee has intensified its scrutiny of several land-related petitions, with the National Lands Commission (NLC) appearing before Members to provide updates and clarify the Commission's position on matters ranging from road reserve boundaries and historical land injustices to unresolved land ownership claims.

The Committee, chaired by Hon. Muchangi Karemba (Runyenjes), met with National Lands Commission Secretary and Chief Executive Officer Ms. Kabale Tache Arero, who responded to a series of petitions currently under consideration.

One of the key matters discussed was Public Petition No. 18 of 2025 concerning road reserve boundaries and the protection of ancestral land in Gitei Village, Kiambu County.

The petitioners contend that Gitei Village is an ancestral settlement that is home to more than 10,000 residents. According to the petitioners, residents have developed their properties over the years based on the understanding that the Kiambu–Tatu City–Kiambu/Ruiru Road reserve measures 40 metres in width.

However, the residents claim that the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) recently installed new beacons along the stretch between Kiu River and Kirigiti with the intention of expanding the road reserve from 40 metres to 60 metres. They argue that the move contradicts previous government assurances and the long-held understanding of the community regarding the road reserve's extent.

During the session, Kiambu MP Hon. John Machua sought clarification on whether residents likely to be affected by the expanded road reserve would be compensated and whether they would be permitted to continue occupying the disputed land.

In response, Ms. Tache maintained that official government survey records support a 60-metre road reserve. She cited Survey Plan F/R No. 9/69, which was surveyed and authenticated in 1915, as well as a subsequent survey conducted in 1959, both of which indicate a road reserve width of 60 metres.

"In accordance with official government survey records, the statutory width of the C115 road reserve remains 60 metres. The purported reduction of this road reserve from 60 metres to 40 metres based on Gazette Notice No. 3632 is legally untenable," said Ms. Tache.

Committee Chairperson Hon. Karemba emphasized the need for further engagement with relevant stakeholders before the Committee reaches a final determination on the matter.

"This is a matter that we can now engage further as a committee with various stakeholders including NLC, the Ministry of Roads and KeNHA, so that we can provide those people a conclusive response and way forward," said Hon. Karemba.

The Committee also examined Public Petition No. 59 of 2023 concerning the settlement of Ontulili Mount Kenya Forest squatters.

The petitioners argue that their parents were allocated land under the historical Shamba (Taungya) system, which was intended to facilitate the settlement of squatters. They allege that instead of fulfilling this objective, the excised parcels were acquired and allocated to the then Minister for Lands and Settlement, the late Hon. J.H. Angaine, who subsequently settled himself, his workers and their families on the land.

Ms. Tache informed Members that in its 2022 determination, the Commission recommended that the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government identify and profile genuine squatters, while the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning verifies those profiled.

Additionally, the Commission directed that the estate of Hon. Angaine contribute 25 percent of the cost of resettling the affected claimants. According to the Commission, the recommendation was intended to strike a balance between addressing historical land injustices and protecting the rights of current landowners and investors.

Members of the Committee sought clarification on how the 25 percent contribution was determined and whether the recommendation adequately addressed the grievances raised by the petitioners.

Responding to the concerns, Ms. Tache explained that the Commission had established that significant portions of the land had since been transferred to third parties, including multinational companies. As a result, the Commission sought a solution that would provide redress to the claimants while safeguarding legitimate investments and the broader public interest.

"It was really a balancing act that came into form, and the fact that the land had already transitioned to third parties, the family of Angaine, in the wisdom of the Commission, were required to commit 25 percent of the cost of settling the claimants," she said.

The representatives of the Angaine family are expected to appear before the Committee on Thursday to provide additional information regarding the matter.

Members also received an update on Public Petition No. 5 of 2024 concerning the alleged illegal acquisition of land parcels known as Kapkaron Farm LR No. 5423/2 and LR No. 6053 in Nandi Hills Sub-County. The petition concerns land that was historically alienated during the colonial era.

On the status of the matter, Ms. Tache informed the Committee that investigations and review processes are ongoing and that the claim remains before the National Lands Commission for determination.

𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫, 𝐃𝐫. 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐖𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐠’𝐮𝐥𝐚 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐏𝐬' 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

The Speaker of the National Assembly formally handed over contributions from Members of Parliament for bursary sponsorship for needy and deserving students at Thika High School.

The KES.2 million personal contribution by Members of Parliament who are friends of the school was made in fulfillment of a commitment they made when H.E. President graced the 70th Anniversary Celebrations of Thika High School on 15th May 2026.

The Speaker hosted the Chief Principal of Thika High School, accompanied by the school's student president and two deputies. During the visit to the National Assembly by the school's students, the Speaker handed over the KES 2 million check to support needy learners in Grade 10, Form 3, and 4. During the visit, the students had the privilege of observing the workings of the House from the gallery.

During the May 2026 celebrations, Members of Parliament, led by the Speaker, made a commitment of KES.12 million, with KES.10 million earmarked for infrastructure development and KES.2 million designated as bursaries for needy and deserving students. The infrastructure contribution will be channeled through the Old Boys Association Fund.

In his welcome remarks in plenary, the Speaker acknowledged the students, noting with pride that the Clerk of the National Assembly is a distinguished alumnus of Thika High School. The students were encouraged to uphold discipline, pursue excellence, and commit themselves to becoming productive and principled members of society.

𝐃𝐄𝐅𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐄 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐅𝐄𝐃 𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐎𝐑𝐆𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐙𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

The Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee has been briefed on the proposed ratification of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), a treaty aimed at strengthening the use of mediation as a preferred mechanism for resolving international disputes.

The Committee, chaired by Hon. Nelson Koech (Belgut), was apprised on details of the Convention as received from officials of the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, outlining the objects, features and justification as to why Kenya should ratify the convention.

According to a memorandum submitted to Parliament by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Hon. Musalia Mudavadi on April 28, 2026, the establishment of IOMed is founded on the recognition of mediation as a viable, effective and non-adversarial means of settling disputes within the international arena.

The memorandum notes that member states of IOMed will have jurisdiction to facilitate mediation in disputes involving two or more states, disputes between a state and nationals of another state, as well as international commercial disputes involving private parties.

"IOMed Member States will have jurisdiction to resolve mediation disputes involving two or more States, a State and a national of another State and International Commercial Dispute between private parties," reads part of the memorandum.

The Ministry further argues that the organization will complement existing international dispute resolution mechanisms by providing an alternative avenue for peaceful settlement of disputes.

"The IOMed will advance and promote use of mediation, and would be a useful complement to existing international dispute settlement mechanisms, by filling the critical gap in international dispute resolution through mediation as a method of dispute settlement," the memorandum states.

Negotiations on the Convention commenced in 2023 and were successfully concluded in October 2024. The Convention establishing IOMed was formally signed on May 30, 2025, in Hong Kong, China. To date, 37 countries, including Kenya, have signed the Convention, demonstrating growing international support for mediation as a tool for conflict resolution.

Should the National Assembly approve the Convention, Kenya will be bound by its provisions under international law. Consequently, the country will not be able to invoke domestic legislation as justification for failure to fulfil obligations arising from the Convention once ratified.

The proposed ratification is expected to enhance Kenya's commitment to peaceful dispute resolution, strengthen its role in international diplomacy, and align the country with emerging global frameworks that promote mediation as a cost-effective and cooperative alternative to litigation and arbitration.

As part of the parliamentary approval process, the Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee will conduct public participation and engage relevant stakeholders to gather views on the treaty before preparing and tabling its report in the National Assembly for consideration and debate.

𝐊𝐈𝐒𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐒𝐇𝐎: Kesho, Kamati ya Fedha ya Mipango ya kitaifa itaendelea na ushirikishi wa umma kwenye michakato ya mswaada wa Fedha na miswaada mingine mitatu. Kamati hio imeandaa vikao katika kaunti za Makueni, Siaya na Nairobi.

Wakaaji wa kaunti hizi wanaweza kutoa maoni yao kwa miswaada hii kwa kufika kwenye vikao hivyo, au kwa kuchanganua Msimbo Papo (yaani QR Code) iliyotokewa kwenye bango.

Unaweza kukubali, kupinga au kupendekeza mabadiliko kwenye vipengee vya miswaada hiyo.

Ujumbe zaidi kuhusu ushirikishi huu, unapatikana kwenye bango za kielektroniki zililoambatishwa.

Ushikishwaji wa umma ni haki yako!

𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐄 𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐒 𝐖𝐀𝐉𝐈𝐑 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐀𝐗 𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐒𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍, 𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐁𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐒

𝐖𝐚𝐣𝐢𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲,

𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

The Committee on Finance and National Planning has engaged the residents of Wajir County on the proposed legislative proposals aimed at implementing tax measures for Financial Year, 2026/27.

Members of the Committee were collating public views pursuant to Article 118 of the Constitution of Kenya which mandates Parliament to conduct its business in an open manner and involve Kenyans in legislative processes.

Led by the Chairperson Hon. Kuria Kimani, the Committee conducted a civic education session to enhance public understanding of the four proposed legislations, namely; Finance Bill 2026, Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill, the Kenya Revenue Authority (Amendment) Bill and the Central Bank of Kenya (Amendment) Bill before receiving submissions from the residents.

Speaking during the engagement exercise, Hon. Kimani assured residents that his led Committee would take into account the views collected from Wajir and other parts of the country in their report.

"We are all aware that Wajir has been left behind on matters development including roads and education. This Committee will ensure that your views count in our report and that no part of the country is left behind," Hon. Kimani said.

During the engagement, members of the public urged the Committee to ensure that the proposed legislation does not increase the cost of living for Kenyans.

They further called on the Committee to ensure prudent utilization of the public funds and equitable distribution of development projects across the country.

Mr. Isaac Gitonga, a representative of the non-local community in Wajir Town emphasized the need for increased public awareness on the Bills.

"We are not opposed to the proposed Bills. They contain significant benefits, but for citizens to fully participate and share their views, they must be adequately informed on the benefits," said Mr. Gitonga.

Chesumei MP. Hon. Paul Biego reiterated the importance of including the views from all regions of the country, noting that all voices are important in shaping the national legislation.

"We want the people of Wajir to know that their views matter and will be taken into consideration alongside those from other Kenyans as Parliament deliberates on these proposals," Hon. Kibichiy said.

Besides Wajir County, the Committee will also engage the public in several counties including Vihiga, Nairobi, Turkana, Mombasa, Siaya, Nyamira, Bomet, Kilifi, Kiambu, Makueni,Taita Taveta and Tana River.

𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐘𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐅𝐘𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐁𝐈𝐋𝐋: 𝐕𝐈𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐀 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐘 𝐕𝐎𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐒 𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖𝐒 𝐀𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐄 𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐔𝐄-𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐌𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐒

𝐌𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐞, 𝐕𝐢𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲

𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟐𝐧𝐝, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

As the Departmental Committee on Finance and National planning undertakes Public Participation across Counties on the Finance Bill 2026, a section of the team convened a consultative forum in Mbale today to expound on the provisions of the Bill as well as gather public views on its provisions.

Led by Kitui Rural Constituency MP Hon. David Mboni, the MP’s who were accompanied by Parliamentary technical staff engaged participants in a forum that was aimed to inform, and educate, as well as correct public misconceptions on the same.

“Debt is not a burden, most people owe money. The concern about futuristic thinking while Kenya is in debt, does not suffice.” Explained Hon. Mboni, when a participant expressed concerns about Kenya’s rising debt ceiling and the government’s continued plans for the next fiscal year.

Some of the proposals in the Bill that drew major interest from the participants included the provision for Excise Duty on Mobile phones to be charged upon Activation, and not upon importation.

Explaining that this relieves the seller of paying taxes on product with no guarantee of sale, and reduces the total cost of phones, Committee member Hon. Joseph Oyula explained that;

“Mobile Phones are currently subject to multiple domestic taxes and levies during importation, and this includes: 16% VAT, 10% Excise duty, 25% Import duty, 2.5% Import Declaration Fee, and 2% Railway Development Levy. “ he said.

Hon. Oyula expounded that “the proposal in the Finance Bill, 2026 does not introduce a new tax on Mobile Phones. The amendments simplify the existing structure by replacing the current framework with a single 25% excise duty collected upon activation of a phone.”

Also of interest, was the The Bill’s proposal that all persons supplying goods or services will now be required to issue invoices, with small scale traders in Vihiga showing reluctance to the suggestion.

“The proposal is aimed at improving record-keeping, enhancing tax compliance, and increasing transparency in business transactions. The proposal will enhance efficiency for small businesses.” Hon. Mboni re-assured.

The participants who spoke to the MPs also expressed concerns with KRA tax structures, claiming that they have been unaware that acquiring a KRA Pin automatically demands one to start paying taxes, subsequently leading to unwarranted tax arrears.

This discussion emanated from The Finance Bill, 2026, proposal to reintroduce a tax amnesty covering all tax liabilities accrued up to 31st December 2025.

Under the proposal, taxpayers who had already paid their principal taxes by 31st December 2025 will automatically qualify for a waiver of penalties and interest without making a formal application to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

The Committee also engaged Vihiga county residents on the following three proposed Bills:

The Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill (National Assembly Bills No. 7 of 2026) which seeks to establish the Sovereign Wealth Fund to achieve long-term fiscal sustainability and intergenerational wealth-sharing.

The Central Bank (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 27 of 2026) that seeks to strengthen the statutory framework governing liquidity support by the Central Bank by distinguishing routine monetary policy operations. The Bill also seeks to provide legal clarity on the scope and limits of the Bank’s intervention powers and to establish prudential safeguards.

The Kenya Revenue (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 28 of
2026) which seeks to clean up the tenure of the chairperson and members of the KRA Board.

Tomorrow the MPs will undertake a similar exercise in Siaya County.