Residents from different parts of the country have expressed concern over the Finance Bill 2026, with many saying they have not fully accessed or understood the document ahead of a live townhall discussion with Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi on TV47.
The live town hall session is scheduled on May 20, 2026 from 6.30pm to 9pm.
The concerns come as the Finance Bill 2026 remains under public participation before debate in Parliament, with Kenyans expected to submit their views to the National Assembly by May 25.
Several residents who spoke to TV47 Digital called for wider public sensitisation and greater transparency, saying many ordinary Kenyans still do not understand the proposals contained in the bill.
Faith, a resident of Kiambu, said she had not read the bill because she claims it had not been adequately circulated to the public.
“I would like to ask CS Mbadi, there was a time when he was an MP and he was complaining that the cost of living was too high. Now that he is in that position, why shouldn’t he lower it for us?” she asked.
Another Kiambu resident, Solomon Kimani, also said he had not seen the bill and accused the government of failing to openly engage citizens.
“I have not read the Finance Bill 2026/2027 because we have not seen it anywhere. It feels like things are being done secretly and later they introduce measures Kenyans are not aware of before imposing high taxes like they did in 2024/2025, which contributed to protests,” he said.
Samuel Wanyoike, a boda boda operator from Kiambu, said rising prices of motorcycles and spare parts were making business difficult and urged the Treasury to consider lowering costs.
“The motorcycle I own was previously selling at KSh130,000 but now it costs KSh170,000. I want to ask CS Mbadi to tell us what he can do to lower these prices. Even spare parts like tyres that used to cost KSh2,500 are now KSh5,000. I would like those costs reduced,” he said.
Moses, a resident of Limuru, urged Members of Parliament to carefully review the bill before approving it.
“My call to MPs is that they should properly examine the proposals they are passing. They should not approve things just because they have been presented. They must look at whether those measures are helping ordinary wananchi because we are the ones who elected them,” he said.
Victor Esika from Mombasa said the Finance Bill should prioritise the welfare of ordinary citizens whereas Denil Muthoka from Machakos said many Kenyans still do not fully understand the proposals contained in the bill and urged the government to ensure the public is adequately engaged.
“Those of us who have understood it have identified many mistakes, and there are many things that need amendments. Therefore, we are calling for proper public participation so that every Kenyan can first understand the Finance Bill and know whether it is helping Kenyans or making life harder for them,” Muthoka said.
The town hall session, which will be held at the Chandaria Auditorium at the University of Nairobi, will be broadcasted live on TV47 and across social media platforms from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm, providing the public with an opportunity to directly engage Treasury CS John Mbadi, understand the contents of the Finance Bill 2026, and raise questions on issues affecting them.
