Kenya's Finance Bill: CSOs Slam Government's Lack of Public Participation

Kenyan Civil Society Groups Condemn Government's Reluctance to Include Public in Finance Bill Debate NAIROBI, Kenya — Civil society organizations (CSOs) in Kenya have strongly criticized the government's handling of public participation in the development of the 2025/2026 Finance Bill. The CSOs warn of a potential repeat of the chaos that ensued in 2024 due to inadequate public engagement. The lack of public involvement is seen as a violation of constitutional rights and a recipe for social unrest. "What we experienced last year on the Finance Bill may repeat," stated a CSO representative in an interview featured in a recent video. "The leaders are reluctant to involve people on this proposed 2025/2026 Finance Bill." The representative further highlighted the dangers of ignoring public input, drawing parallels to the 2024 experience, which was marked by considerable public disorder. The CSOs' concerns are rooted in the belief that meaningful public participation is essential for a transparent and accountable budgetary process. They argue that excluding key stakeholders could lead to policies that do not reflect the needs and priorities of the Kenyan people. The government's response to these criticisms remains awaited. The situation underscores the importance of open dialogue and collaboration between the government and civil society in shaping national policy. The CSOs' call for greater public participation is a crucial step towards ensuring that the Finance Bill genuinely serves the interests of all Kenyans.