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FINANCE COMMITTEE TAKES TAX BILL PUBLIC PARTICIPATION DRIVE TO WAJIR

Residents Urge Lawmakers to Shield Kenyans from Rising Cost of Living as Parliament Reviews Key Economic Bills


By Ahmed Salat Ali | Political Affairs Reporter, AARAN TV KE 

The National Assembly's Committee on Finance and National Planning on Tuesday held a public participation forum in Wajir County to gather residents' views on a raft of proposed legislative measures that will shape Kenya's tax and economic policies for the 2026/27 Financial Year.

The engagement forms part of Parliament's constitutional obligation under Article 118 of the Constitution, which requires legislative processes to be conducted openly and with active public participation.

Led by Committee Chairperson Hon. Kuria Kimani, Members of Parliament first conducted a civic education session to familiarize residents with the proposed laws before receiving public submissions.

 The bills under consideration include the Finance Bill, 2026, the Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill, the Kenya Revenue Authority (Amendment) Bill, and the Central Bank of Kenya (Amendment) Bill.

Addressing the forum, Hon. Kimani assured residents that views collected from Wajir and other parts of the country would be carefully considered before the Committee finalizes its report to Parliament.

"We are all aware that Wajir has lagged behind in key areas of development, including infrastructure and education. This Committee is committed to ensuring that your views are reflected in our report and that no region of the country is left behind," said Hon. Kimani.

A dominant concern raised by residents was the potential impact of the proposed tax measures on household incomes and the overall cost of living. Participants urged lawmakers to ensure that the legislation does not impose additional financial burdens on ordinary Kenyans.

Residents also called for prudent management of public resources and equitable distribution of development projects across all regions of the country.

Mr. Isaac Gitonga, representing the non-local community in Wajir Town, emphasized the need for enhanced public awareness and civic education on the proposed legislation.

"We are not opposed to these Bills. They contain significant provisions that could benefit citizens. However, meaningful public participation can only be achieved when people fully understand the contents and implications of the proposed laws," he said.

Chesumei Member of Parliament Hon. Paul Biego underscored the importance of incorporating views from all corners of the country, noting that inclusive policymaking strengthens national legislation.

"The people of Wajir should know that their voices matter. Their views will be considered alongside those of other Kenyans as Parliament deliberates on these important legislative proposals," said Hon. Biego.

The Wajir forum is part of a nationwide public participation exercise being conducted by the Committee. Similar engagements are scheduled in several counties, including Vihiga, Nairobi, Turkana, Mombasa, Siaya, Nyamira, Bomet, Kilifi, Kiambu, Makueni, Taita Taveta, and Tana River.

The public consultations are expected to inform Parliament's deliberations on the proposed economic and financial legislation before the measures are debated and considered for approval.

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