Phone Tax Returns: Kenya's 2026 Finance Bill Reintroduced
Kenya’s government has reintroduced a tax on mobile phone usage within the 2026 Finance Bill, a move sparking renewed debate following previous public outcry. This marks the third Finance Bill proposed by the Kenya Kwanza regime since 2023, following the contentious Finance Bill, 2024.
The 2024 bill, which included the proposed phone tax, faced widespread opposition and ultimately was withdrawn in June of that year. The withdrawal followed nationwide demonstrations against the bill’s provisions. These protests were met with a forceful response from state security agencies, resulting in dozens of deaths and numerous injuries and abductions.
The reintroduction of the phone tax within the 2026 Finance Bill suggests the government intends to pursue revenue-generating measures despite the previous public backlash. Details surrounding the specific tax rate and implementation are currently limited, but the move is expected to draw significant scrutiny and potential further public reaction. The bill's progress through parliament remains to be seen.