Finance Bill does not include taxes on trees, cows, or goats-Wetang'ula
"The National Assembly had not received any official Finance Bill containing the controversial tax proposals being discussed in the media and on social platforms," said the Speaker.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has addressed and dismissed circulating claims suggesting that the 2025 Finance Bill includes plans to impose taxes on livestock and trees.
While speaking on the floor of the House on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, Wetang’ula clarified that no such proposal has been tabled or endorsed for discussion in Parliament, reassuring both lawmakers and the public.
Speaker Moses Wetang’ula addressed recent speculation by clarifying that the National Assembly had not received any official Finance Bill containing the controversial tax proposals being discussed in the media and on social platforms.
"No Finance Bill has been approved by the Speaker for presentation in this House. What’s been circulating includes claims of taxes on trees, livestock such as goats and cows, and many other items. However, we are fully aware that no such Bill is currently before Parliament," he remarked.
This clarification came after a formal request by Kuria Kimani, Chairperson of the National Assembly’s Finance Committee, who had asked the Speaker to publicly address the growing concerns and misinformation.
Kuria Kimani, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Molo, recently spoke on the potential introduction of new tax measures in the forthcoming Finance Bill.
He noted that the government is currently assessing whether the available revenue streams and donor support will be adequate to fund the 2025/2026 national budget.
According to Kimani, should the current revenue performance and aid fall short of the financial requirements, the government may be compelled to introduce additional taxes.
However, he emphasized that such steps would only be taken if absolutely necessary.
"From now until June, the Finance Committee will assess whether funds raised through revenue collection, budget appropriations, and donor aid will be enough to meet the increased spending targets," he explained.
"Only if there’s a gap will we consider implementing extra tax measures to bridge that shortfall," he explained.
He further emphasized that any decision would be made based on solid evidence.
"If there is clear, empirical evidence indicating that the current tax measures, appropriations, and donor commitments are sufficient to meet these financial targets, then there will be no need for additional taxes," he stated.