Residents of Siaya County have lauded most of the Provisions of the Finance Bill 2026, but called on the National Assembly to amend proposals on: taxation on betting, introduction of invoices for small scale businesses, introduction of excise duty on new mobile phones upon activation, and imposition of taxes on profits sent abroad by foreign companies. 

Speaking to a delegation of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning led by Kitui Rural MP Hon. David Mboni, residents of Siaya acknowledged the consideration that the Bill has put on fair revenue-raisinv methods despite there being proposals that they say must be reviewed in the interest of Kenyans. 

Addressing the meeting, Hon. Joseph Oyula assured the public participants that the Committee shall put the people’s submissions into consideration in its final report. He however emphasized that the proposal for businesses to issue invoices is a step in the right direction aimed at regularization of taxation processes.

“The introduction of invoices cushions sellers from potential exploitation by KRA officers, who sometimes depend on guess work to determine sales by business people.” Said Hon. Oyula. 

He also explained that the proposed tax imposition on repatriated profits specifically applies to petroleum products and minerals, a move he assured is meant to cushion locals and earn them returns on their minerals. 

Speaking on the widespread calls to drop the proposed taxation of betting winnings, Hon. David Mboni told the meeting that the move is aimed at discouraging youths from gambling, something he noted has been turned into a full-time source of income by a section of the society.

“Tax on betting is what we call sin tax, it is meant to discourage the activity among youths who prefer not to undertake any other gainful employment.” Remarked Hon. Mboni. 

In consideration of the other three proposed laws also under consideration by the Committee, the residents called for the inclusion of the Controller of Budget in the proposed sovereign wealth fund Board, and for Parliament to oversight the fund for total transparency.

Tomorrow the delegation shall undertake Public Participation in Nyamira County.