Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya has defended his decision to oppose the Finance Bill 2026.
According to him, his position was informed by concerns over the impact of previous tax measures on ordinary Kenyans and businesses.
In a statement, the lawmaker said the latest finance bill should have provided an opportunity for the government to comprehensively review the Finance Act 2024 through fresh and meaningful public participation.
He stated that many Kenyans still feel that some of the tax policies introduced under the 2024 legislation have contributed to a higher cost of living, weakened businesses, and slowed economic growth.
Salasya argued that the government ought to have revisited the previous law section by section and allowed citizens to evaluate which measures had delivered positive results and which ones had failed.
“Kenya does not need taxation without consultation. Kenya needs policies that balance revenue collection, economic growth, and the welfare of ordinary citizens,” he stated.
Despite his opposition, Salasya acknowledged that public participation had influenced some of the proposals contained in the Finance Bill 2026.
According to him, pressure from citizens led to adjustments affecting the sugar industry, with some tax measures being changed to zero-rated status.
He further observed that the proposed increase in excise duty to 40 per cent is expected to curb sugar repackaging while safeguarding local sugar factories and supporting sugarcane farmers.
