Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa has declared that he will vote no for the Finance Bill, 2026.
In a press statement, Thang’wa cited alleged ‘destructive’ nature to the Kenyan industry, jobs and youth.
“The most dangerous attack is on locally assembled phones and electric motorbikes. These sectors are already creating jobs, training technicians, supporting sales agents, expanding digital access, strengthening the creative economy, modernising boda boda transport, reducing fuel dependence and saving Kenya foreign exchange”, he stated.
Thang’wa also noted that the proposal for an increase in tax of local assembly factories, while the importation tax significantly reduced by about 24 per cent.
“Why should a phone or e-bike assembled by Kenyan youth become more expensive than a finished product imported from outside Kenya?” the senator added.
Similarly, MP for Embakasi East Babu Owino also took the same stance.
“The intention of a tax is to raise revenue. But the intention of taxation should never be to punish the Kenyan people”, Babu Owino said.
He also condemned the proposed 16 per cent VAT, as well as a duration of four months to file tax returns citing detrimental effects on the country’s economy.
