Kenyans Invited to Weigh in on Finance Bill 2025 Via WhatsApp

In a bold move to modernize civic engagement, the Kenyan government is turning to WhatsApp to involve citizens in shaping the Finance Bill 2025.

Molo MP Kimani Kuria, who also chairs the National Assembly Finance Committee, announced this shift during an NTV interview on April 8.

With more Kenyans online than ever before, the government aims to make it easier for people to share feedback—especially those too busy to attend physical meetings.

This tech-driven approach reflects a broader push to bridge the gap between policymakers and citizens, ensuring more voices shape the nation’s financial future.

Finance Committee Chair Kimani Kuria announced that WhatsApp numbers will be shared after the bill is tabled to enable public feedback. [Photo: X/Kimani Kuria]

How WhatsApp Will Drive Public Participation in Finance Bill 2025

Kenyans will soon share their views on the Finance Bill 2025 through WhatsApp, according to Molo MP Kimani Kuria. This initiative comes as the government seeks to expand digital participation in the budget-making process.

Kuria explained that once the bill is tabled in Parliament and enters the public participation stage, official WhatsApp numbers will be released. These will give citizens a quick and direct way to provide their opinions.

“This year, we understand that many people have demanding jobs and can’t always make time to attend public meetings,” said Kuria. “So, we’re introducing easier, modern ways to communicate with us.”

While WhatsApp offers a new channel, Kuria urged the public not to ignore traditional platforms. Emails, letters, and physical forums will still be open for feedback. “It’s not about replacing existing methods,” he noted. “It’s about expanding access.”

The Finance Bill 2025 is expected to be tabled before Parliament by the end of April.

Once that happens, the bill will enter a phase of public scrutiny where all citizens will be invited to review and respond.

Kenyans Urged to Read the Bill Before Judging It

Kuria called on citizens to study the Finance Bill 2025 carefully before forming opinions. He stressed that the bill is not designed to punish, but rather to guide the country’s financial management.

“Don’t just say ‘reject’ because someone on social media told you to,” he warned. “Open the bill. Identify what part doesn’t work. Suggest a fix. That’s the power you have.”

This call comes amid growing concerns and speculation surrounding the upcoming bill. Discussions online have already turned heated, with many fearing that the proposed changes could bring higher taxes or impact livelihoods.

Kuria emphasized that informed feedback leads to better laws. “The Finance Committee is ready to listen,” he added. “But we need to know what the public really thinks—and why.”

Concerns Mount Over Budget Size and Rising Taxes

The proposed Ksh4.26 trillion budget for the 2025/26 financial year is already causing a stir.

This figure marks a significant increase from the current Ksh3.6 trillion budget. Many fear the bulk of this gap will be filled by increasing taxes on ordinary Kenyans.

Economists and the Parliamentary Budget Office have voiced concerns about the growing gap between high taxes and stagnant wages.

They argue that the proposed financial plan risks burdening citizens while underfunding key sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

In response to these concerns, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi clarified that the government has not finalized the Finance Bill 2025.

Speaking on April 8 at the launch of the Electronic Government Procurement system, Mbadi addressed misleading reports circulating online.

“We have not approved the Finance Bill 2025,” he said. “We are still reviewing proposals from different sectors. Nothing is final yet.”

Mbadi acknowledged the media’s role in public oversight but asked for patience as the budgeting process continues.

“Let’s be clear: the Treasury is still assessing input from all stakeholders before making any final decisions,” he added.