Lawmakers Demand Accountability from Private Sector on Tax Breaks
Mombasa, Kenya – In a bold move to prioritize public interest over corporate perks, Kenyan Members of Parliament have drawn a firm line in the sand for the private sector. Tax incentives, including any form of amnesty, will now require ironclad proof of tangible benefits to the economy and society at large. This directive came during the eighth edition of the Speaker's Roundtable, a key forum held in Mombasa aimed at bridging gaps between lawmakers and business leaders to boost investment and trade.
The gathering spotlighted frustrations over the private sector's perceived reluctance to stand by Parliament during heated public debates on economic reforms. Lawmakers pointed to recent laws, such as the Finance Bill of 2024 with its tax adjustments and the Cybercrime Amendment Act of 2025 designed to shield businesses from digital threats like hacking and unauthorized SIM swaps. They also flagged misinformation swirling around three freshly enacted pieces of legislation: the Lands Amendment Act of 2025, the National Police Service Amendment Act, and the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Amendment Act of 2025. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula and Clerk Samuel Njoroge warned that such false narratives pose a real risk to economic stability, calling for unified action to protect national progress.
At the heart of the discussions was a call for the private sector to step up its advocacy. National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwah expressed sharp disappointment at the silence from groups like the Kenya Private Sector Alliance, along with banking and telecom industries, amid backlash against the Finance Bill and Cybercrime Amendment Act. These measures, he argued, directly safeguard businesses from massive financial hits caused by cyber attacks. Ichungwah urged these entities to leverage their influence to debunk myths and support policies that foster growth, contrasting their quiet stance with the outspoken backing from religious bodies, especially the Church. Faith leaders have praised the Cybercrime Amendment Act for tackling grave issues including terrorism, religious extremism, cult activities, and child exploitation materials.
Minority Leader Junet Mohamed echoed these sentiments but added a layer of caution on fairness in lawmaking. He stressed that legislation must apply evenly across the board, avoiding any favoritism toward select companies that could squeeze out rivals. Uniform tax rules, full transparency, and protections for every business, big or small, are non-negotiable, he declared, rejecting any push to weaponize Parliament against competitors through lopsided tax strategies.
The private sector, represented at the roundtable, faced direct scrutiny for what MPs described as a pattern of disengagement. While businesses have long lobbied for reliefs to ease operations, lawmakers now insist on data-driven justifications showing how these perks ripple out to job creation, infrastructure gains, or broader economic uplift. The absence of such evidence, combined with a lack of defense during legislative storms, has eroded trust, according to participants.
Speaker Wetangula and Clerk Njoroge rounded out the conversation by highlighting the wider dangers of disinformation. With eight new Bills recently signed into law, the targeting of three by rumor mills underscores a vulnerability that could ripple through society and markets alike. They called on all stakeholders, from corporations to civil groups, to share the burden of truth-telling and vigilance.
Looking ahead, the roundtable's outcomes signal a new era of rigorous vetting for private sector requests. Lawmakers committed to scrutinizing every incentive proposal through the lens of public good, while encouraging deeper, more proactive partnerships. This shift aims to rebuild collaboration, ensuring that economic policies serve Kenya's collective aspirations rather than isolated interests. As the nation navigates fiscal challenges and digital risks, the message is clear: support the process, or forfeit the privileges. The forum wrapped with renewed pledges for open dialogue, positioning the Speaker's Roundtable as a vital space for aligning business ambitions with national priorities.