People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has raised concerns over the Finance Bill 2025, saying it is not economically friendly to Kenyans.

In her recent sentiments, Karua noted that the Finance Bill 2025 will pinch a lot of sectors in the country, including the transport, health, and agriculture.

At the same time, the PLP leader raised concerns over an alleged lack of proper and transparent public participation on the Bill in the country.

She emphasized that public participation is now guided and intended for a chosen few, and is not as inclusive as it should be.

“Public participation is now a ritual…it is guided, which means only people for people who are approved,” Karua said.

Karua’s opinion comes days after the arrest of Rose Njeri, a Kenyan software developer, for creating an online tool that enabled citizens to express their opinions on the Finance Bill 2025.

“Why would you arrest a young Kenyan who is just trying to enhance public awareness among people?” She stated.

“This year’s budget is going to bite. Exercise duty is going to make the transport fee more costly,” Karua added.

The Finance Bill 2025, which has been widely criticized for proposing a tax increase, is expected to finance a budget of Ksh 4.5 trillion for the financial year 2025/2026, making a significant increase from the Ksh 3.94 trillion for the 2024/2025 Financial year.

The figures are detailed in the Draft Division of the Revenue Bill, 2025, tabled in parliament last week. The treasury has henceforth proposed allocation of Ksh 417.96 billion to counties, including an equitable share of 405.06 billion and an additional Ksh 12.89 billion.