Kenya Defends Tax Policy, Highlights Progress on Health, Agriculture, and Public Safety

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Kenya Defends Tax Policy, Highlights Progress on Health, Agriculture, and Public Safety

The Government of Kenya has refuted claims that a new Finance Bill for the 2025/26 financial year has already been proposed or tabled, warning citizens against misinformation spreading online. Speaking during a press briefing at KICC in Nairobi, Government Spokesperson Hon. Sen. (Dr) Isaac Mwaura said the budget process is still ongoing and that the public will be fully involved when the appropriate time comes.

“Contrary to misinformation circulating online, the 2025/26 Budget Process is still underway. No Finance Bill 2025 has been proposed, drafted, or tabled in Parliament,” Dr. Mwaura said.

He clarified that the Finance Bill only follows the release of the Draft Budget, which happens after April 30. The government emphasized its commitment to public participation once the bill is officially introduced.

The key fiscal framework for now is the 2025 Budget Policy Statement (BPS)—the third under the Kenya Kwanza administration—which outlines priorities such as fiscal consolidation, accountability in public spending, and increasing revenue through tax policy and administrative reforms, not by raising taxes as has been alleged.

Boosting Farmer Incomes Through Guaranteed Minimum Returns
As part of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA Plan), the government is delivering on its pledge to improve agricultural productivity and protect farmers from unpredictable markets.

Guaranteed Minimum Returns (GMR) have stabilized farmer incomes across various value chains:

Macadamia prices rose from KES 24 to KES 100 per kilo.

Coffee farmers now earn about KES 130 per kilo, up from KES 50, thanks to the Coffee Cherry Fund.

Milk prices increased from KES 37 to KES 50 per litre.

Sugarcane earnings grew from KES 4,500 to KES 5,300 per metric ton, with some farmers receiving bonuses for the first time.

Miraa prices also jumped: Grade One from KES 700 to KES 1,300; Grade Two from KES 350 to KES 700; and Alele Grade from KES 500 to KES 1,000.

Tea value addition efforts are now enabling the export of processed tea, increasing farmer profits.

Avocado exports have made Kenya Africa’s top avocado producer.

Leather sector investments, like the revitalization of Narok tannery, are creating new opportunities in local production and value addition.

Healthcare Overhaul: Taifa Care Rolls Out Nationwide
Under the new universal healthcare plan known as Taifa Care (formerly Social Health Authority), over 19 million Kenyans are now registered—up from 8 million under the defunct NHIF. This represents a 146% increase in enrollment since the rollout began in October 2024.

Key highlights from the 140-day review of Taifa Care include:

Over 8.5 million Kenyans have undergone health checkups.

331,265 were referred for diabetes treatment, and 711,172 for hypertension care.

Daily ICU/HDU coverage has been increased from KES 4,480 to KES 28,000.

Oncology coverage per patient has been raised to KES 550,000.

Amina, a single mother whose son was undergoing cancer treatment, was one of the first to benefit from the streamlined system that now processes hospital claims by the 14th of every month.

The government is also introducing flexible daily payments to make healthcare contributions more affordable and urges all citizens to register.

Containing Disease Outbreaks: Kala-Azar and Cholera Response
The Ministry of Health has ramped up its response to two major disease outbreaks affecting parts of the country.

Kala-Azar in Wajir
In Wajir County, over 600 people have been infected by Kala-azar since September 2024, resulting in 33 deaths. The government, working with county officials, has deployed three mobile laboratories in Eldas and Wajir West and set up a satellite blood bank with advanced diagnostic equipment. Hospital discharges now exceed admissions as the outbreak is brought under control.

Cholera in Nairobi and Beyond
Cholera cases have been reported in Nairobi, Migori, and Kisumu, totaling 100 cases and six deaths as of April 8, 2025. A 12-year-old girl from Kibera named Mercy recovered due to quick medical intervention. Rapid Response Teams have been activated and are distributing medical supplies, lab kits, protective gear, and water treatment chemicals. Public awareness campaigns are ongoing to contain the spread.

Education Sector Under Scrutiny
The government addressed three key issues in the education sector:

Butere Girls Drama Incident: The performance Echoes of War was halted amid controversy over unapproved scripts and trainers not affiliated with the Ministry or Teachers Service Commission. While the matter is under investigation, the government emphasized that schools are not arenas for political messaging.

Withheld Certificates: Some principals are still unlawfully withholding examination certificates over fee balances. The government has given County Directors of Education 14 days to submit a status report and warns that legal action will be taken against defiant school heads.

University Funding Reform: Following court rulings, a revised model for university funding has been developed and will undergo nationwide public participation to ensure fairness, transparency, and sustainability.

Government Acts on Femicide Crisis
With over 100 femicide cases reported in the last six months, including the tragic murder of 24-year-old Esther in Nairobi, the government reiterated its commitment to ending gender-based violence.

A Technical Working Group on GBV and Femicide was set up in January 2025 to review laws such as the Sexual Offences Act (2006) and Protection Against Domestic Violence Act (2015).

Public forums are planned across all 47 counties to gather input.

A revised National Policy on GBV (2025) awaits Cabinet approval.

Kenya recently signed the African Union Convention on Eliminating Violence Against Women and Girls, reaffirming its regional commitment.

A Call for Unity and Vigilance
In closing, the government urged citizens to remain discerning and engaged as the country moves forward with economic reforms, social programs, and enhanced service delivery.

“We are committed to transparency, accountability, and the well-being of every Kenyan,” Dr. Mwaura concluded. “Let us stand united in building a just, prosperous, and resilient nation.”

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Kenya Defends Tax Policy, Highlights Progress on Health, Agriculture, and Public Safety

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