Government Dismisses Finance Bill “Propaganda” as Child Abduction Cases Hit Alarming Levels

The Government has pushed back against growing criticism surrounding the Finance Bill 2026, accusing unnamed individuals of spreading false and politically motivated information to mislead Kenyans.

Addressing the media in Nairobi, Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura said many of the claims circulating online about new taxes are inaccurate and intended to create fear among citizens.

“There is a lot of misinformation and disinformation being spread online regarding the Finance Bill. We urge Kenyans to read the document for themselves instead of relying on propaganda and negative narratives,” Mwaura said.

He dismissed reports alleging that the Government plans to introduce a motor vehicle circulation tax, increase taxes on Mitumba clothes, impose VAT on bread, or introduce fresh levies on mobile phones and digital transactions.

Mwaura clarified that some of the controversial proposals initially discussed during consultations were either revised or dropped completely before the bill was published by the National Treasury.

“The proposal to increase residential rental income tax from 7.5 percent to 10 percent was dropped. Plans targeting Mitumba traders through a simplified tax framework were also abandoned,” he stated.

The Government Spokesman further denied claims that the Kenya Revenue Authority would be granted unrestricted access to citizens’ mobile money transactions.

“No Kenyan’s private financial information will be accessed outside the provisions of the law. Existing privacy and data protection laws remain fully operational,” Mwaura assured.

On digital taxation, he explained that the proposed excise duty on smartphones and digital services is not a new tax but a consolidation of already existing taxes into a simplified structure.

According to the Government, the Finance Bill also contains measures aimed at easing the tax burden on households and supporting key sectors of the economy.

Among the proposals are VAT exemptions on dialysis equipment, agricultural inputs, animal feed production, and transportation of sugarcane from farms to factories.

The bill further proposes tax exemptions on solar batteries, electric buses, electric bicycles, and bioethanol vapor stoves in a move aimed at promoting clean energy and environmental sustainability.

At the same briefing, the Government raised concern over the rising number of child abductions, disappearances, trafficking, and violence against minors across the country.

Mwaura described the trend as a growing national crisis, revealing that 10,581 child protection cases were reported between January 2025 and March 2026.

The cases include 6,820 incidents of child abandonment, 1,952 abductions, 1,636 reports of missing children, and 173 trafficking cases.

“The abduction, trafficking, abuse and killing of children are hideous crimes that continue to traumatize families and threaten communities across the country,” Mwaura said.

He revealed that security agencies and child protection officers have already activated multi-agency operations aimed at rescuing vulnerable children, reuniting families, and prosecuting suspects linked to child-related crimes.

The interventions include rescue missions, psychosocial support programmes, alternative family care arrangements, and legal action against offenders.

Authorities have also established Children Advisory Committees across counties to strengthen local child protection systems and improve emergency response mechanisms.

The Government has now urged parents and guardians to increase vigilance, especially during school commuting hours which officials say have become increasingly dangerous for children.

“Parents should personally pick up their children where possible or ensure they are accompanied by trusted adults while travelling home,” Mwaura advised.

He also cautioned parents against leaving children under the care of strangers and encouraged families to educate children about personal safety and the dangers posed by strangers.

Schools were equally urged to tighten handover and transport procedures to ensure children are only released to authorized guardians.

Members of the public have been encouraged to report cases of missing children, trafficking, abuse, neglect, violence, or online exploitation through the national child helpline 116 or WhatsApp number 0722 116116.