Parliament is set to pass the finance bill 2025, outlining its revenue-raising strategy for the fiscal year beginning July.
The new bill steers clear of the overtly punitive tax measures that fueled last year’s unrest. However, policy analysts warn that beneath its moderate appearance lie provisions that could significantly impact ordinary citizens. Among those likely to be affected are farmers, patients, digital loan borrowers, and first-time homeowners—groups already navigating economic challenges.
In contrast to the Finance Bill 2024—which was withdrawn following Genz protests that resulted in numerous youth fatalities—the latest proposal is said to adopt a more conciliatory tone.
Sources familiar with the bill indicate that while the government has avoided headline-grabbing taxes, it has introduced more subtle fiscal adjustments that may still place a burden on the average Kenyan. Critics caution that these hidden measures risk undermining public trust and could reignite public dissent if not addressed transparently.
As the bill moves to Parliament for debate, stakeholders are calling for increased public participation and scrutiny to ensure it aligns with the economic realities of citizens. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the Finance Bill 2025 lives up to its promise of moderation or repeats past mistakes.
