Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo has defended the government’s new budget, backing President William Ruto’s administration and noting that the proposed measures are necessary to reduce Kenya’s reliance on borrowing and secure long-term economic stability.
Speaking during a traditional wedding ceremony in Kitui, on May 6, PS Chris Kiptoo said the budget process is guided by the country’s broader interests, with a focus on restoring fiscal discipline.
He explained that the government’s approach to taxation is deliberate, noting that each proposal has been carefully thought through to strengthen public finances.
“Every tax measure being introduced is the result of very patriotic and well-considered opinions,” Kiptoo said. “These are necessary steps if we are to stabilize our economy and reduce dependence on debt.”
Treasury PS Chris Kiptoo Defends Kenya’s Budget
The PS, Chris Kiptoo, warned that Kenya’s current debt levels, both domestic and external, are becoming increasingly difficult to sustain, making firm policy decisions unavoidable.
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“Our current debt situation is becoming unsustainable. Painful as some of these measures may be, they are necessary if we are to normalize the situation and secure the country’s economic future,” he said.
Kiptoo added that the government’s broader objective is to gradually ease pressure on borrowing while maintaining its ability to meet financial obligations and deliver essential services.
He also called on Kenyans to support the proposed fiscal reforms, saying that collective sacrifice would be crucial in steering the economy toward stability.
Despite ongoing challenges, Kiptoo expressed confidence in Kenya’s resilience, noting that the economy has remained steady even under pressure.
PS Chris Kiptoo acknowledged that while the country continues to face economic challenges, Kenya’s economy has remained steady and resilient, noting that this stability indicates the measures being implemented are working and that the country is moving in the right direction.
Mbadi Outlines Changes to Tax Filing Timelines in Finance Bill 2026
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi clarified the proposed changes to the Finance Bill 2026, focusing on adjustments to tax return filing timelines to improve efficiency and compliance.
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Speaking during an X Space discussion on June 4, Mbadi explained that the reforms are designed to ease pressure on the tax system by addressing congestion caused by a single filing period for all taxpayers.
The CS pointed out that the current setup often leads to a rush toward the deadline, with many Kenyans waiting until the last minute to submit their returns.
“We had one filing period for everyone, and many Kenyans naturally wait until the last day. This ends up overwhelming the system and creates challenges, yet failure to file still attracts penalties,” Mbadi stated.
This, he noted, overwhelms the system and creates avoidable technical challenges, even as penalties remain in place for non-compliance.
Mbadi further explained that the proposed changes will introduce staggered filing deadlines across different taxpayer categories.
Under this plan, individuals filing nil returns will be required to submit them by December of the same year, rather than waiting until June of the following year.
The CS said the adjustment is expected to distribute the workload more evenly throughout the year, reduce system strain, and make the filing process smoother for taxpayers while enhancing overall compliance.
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