NAIROBI, Kenya Jun 22 – President William Ruto is expected to formally assent to the Finance Bill 2026 on Tuesday following its approval by the National Assembly in a vote that has sparked fresh political and constitutional debate.
Speaking at State House during the St John Ambulance Annual Parade, President Ruto confirmed that preparations for the signing ceremony had been finalized and praised Members of Parliament for ensuring the Bill was passed.
The Finance Bill 2026 sailed through the National Assembly after lawmakers voted in support of the proposed tax and revenue measures intended to fund the government’s budget priorities for the upcoming financial year.
However, the passage of the Bill has attracted criticism from sections of the opposition and some leaders allied to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Siaya Governor James Orengo questioned the legitimacy of the parliamentary process, arguing that the vote may not have met the required constitutional threshold due to the absence of several MPs during the proceedings.
Orengo has urged President Ruto to decline assent and instead return the Bill to Parliament for further scrutiny and debate.
The governor’s remarks come amid heightened political tensions ahead of planned demonstrations on June 25 to commemorate victims of last year’s anti-government protests.
The Finance Bill has remained a politically sensitive issue in Kenya following last year’s nationwide demonstrations against proposed tax measures, which triggered widespread public anger and forced the government to withdraw parts of the previous Bill.
Despite the criticism, the Kenya Kwanza administration has defended the 2026 Finance Bill, saying it seeks to stabilize the economy, expand revenue collection and support key development programmes.
The Bill now awaits presidential assent before becoming law.
