NAIROBI, Kenya, June 22 – President William Ruto has defended the Finance Bill 2026, saying the proposed law contains measures aimed at supporting coffee farmers and lowering production costs in the agricultural sector.
Speaking during a meeting with coffee farmers in Kirinyaga County, the President said the Bill includes provisions intended to reduce the cost of fertilizer and improve returns for farmers.
Ruto criticized lawmakers who opposed the legislation, arguing that some had failed to examine its contents before dismissing it.
Without naming specific legislators, he said opponents were focusing on criticism rather than highlighting measures designed to support farmers and boost agricultural productivity.
The President maintained that the Bill contains reforms aimed at strengthening key sectors of the economy, particularly agriculture, which remains a major source of income for millions of Kenyans.
He further expressed confidence that Kenyans would evaluate the legislation based on facts and its potential impact rather than political rhetoric.
The Finance Bill 2026 was recently passed by the National Assembly after lawmakers removed several controversial tax proposals, including a 16 percent VAT on peer-to-peer mobile money transfers and a proposed 25 percent excise duty on mobile phones.
The Bill now awaits presidential assent before becoming law.
