Finance Bill 2026, cost of living fury awaits MPs as House reconvenes
MPs are likely to come under pressure from the citizenry to reject or amend proposed tax measures perceived to burden households and businesses already struggling with economic hardship.
The National Assembly resumes sittings tomorrow, Tuesday, May 26, 2026, with the Finance Bill, 2026, rising fuel prices and mounting public concern over the high cost of living expected to dominate debate as lawmakers embark on a critical phase of the legislative calendar.
Members of Parliament (MPs) will reconvene at 2:30 p.m. after a month-long recess that largely saw parliamentary committees engaged in the scrutiny of ministerial budget estimates for the 2026/2027 financial year.
Among the key issues of the House agenda is the Report of the Budget and Appropriations Committee on the annual estimates for the National Government.
The report, expected to be tabled on June 2, 2026 will pave the way for debate on the Appropriation Bill, 2026, and the highly anticipated Finance Bill, 2026, which contains proposed amendments to various tax laws.
The Finance Bill is expected to trigger heated political debate amid growing public frustration over increased fuel prices, inflation and the rising cost of basic commodities.
MPs are likely to come under pressure from the citizenry to reject or amend proposed tax measures perceived to burden households and businesses already struggling with economic hardship.
The National Assembly will also consider Senate amendments to the Division of Revenue Bill, 2026, and the County Allocation of Revenue Bill, 2026, once they are transmitted from the Senate.
The Division of Revenue Bill determines how nationally raised revenue is shared between the national and county governments.
“The National Assembly will prioritise consideration of the Bills to ensure conclusion within the statutory timelines,” a statement from Parliament said.
The House is also expected to prepare for the presentation of the 2026/2027 Budget Policy Highlights and revenue-raising measures by National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi on June 11, in line with the Public Finance Management Act and the East African Community’s harmonised budget calendar.
Lawmakers will further deliberate on the vetting report for a nominee seeking appointment as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Ottawa, Canada, after Parliament earlier approved a 14-day extension for the relevant committee to complete its work.
Several key legislative proposals are also lined up for debate, among them the Central Bank of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to grant the National Assembly powers to approve Deputy Governors of the Central Bank of Kenya.
“The Bill also provides that the Central Bank may give loans to banks for financial stability and emergency liquidity,” the parliamentary statement noted.
Other major Bills include the Microfinance Bill, 2026, which seeks to overhaul the legal framework governing microfinance institutions, the Quality Healthcare and Patient Safety Bill aimed at enhancing healthcare standards and patient rights, and the Kenya Judiciary Academy Bill that seeks to formalise continuous training for judges and Judiciary staff.
MPs are also expected to consider several agreements and sessional papers, including the IGAD Protocol on Transhumance, the National Petroleum Policy and the National Energy Policy 2025.
Pending petitions touching on illicit alcohol trade, the Miwani Sugar land dispute, haemophilia funding, and the Nairobi Rivers Commission Project in Kangemi and Dagoretti are also expected to come before parliamentary committees.
Additionally, legislators are set to join President William Ruto during this year’s National Prayer Breakfast, which brings together leaders from politics, religion and the business community.
Attention is also expected to focus on implementation of the recently passed Trade Defence Bills, including anti-dumping and safeguard measures legislation aimed at protecting local industries from unfair competition.
Lawmakers are further expected to discuss strategies to strengthen Kenya’s trade relations with Asian markets.
Infrastructure development will also feature prominently, with updates anticipated on major capital rollout projects, including the Connect PNG economic roads programme and progress on regional airport construction and completion.
Parliament said the recess had remained active, with committees continuing oversight and budget engagements with Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
“Notably, this was a working recess as committees were engaged in the consideration of ministerial budget estimates for the FY 2026/2027, among other matters referred to them. Additionally, Members had an opportunity to engage with constituents as part of their representative role,” the statement said.
