Machakos deputy governor: Kenya is among countries on earth with highest tax bracket
By Faith Lagat, May 12, 2026Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi has criticised Kenya’s tax regime, describing it as one of the highest globally and accusing the government of imposing heavy taxes without considering the financial realities facing ordinary citizens.
Speaking during an interview on Monday, May 11, 2026, Mwangangi said many Kenyans are struggling under rising deductions and the increasing cost of living.
“Kenya is among the countries on earth with the highest tax bracket. Everybody is crying over forced, imposed taxes, and nobody bothered to ask the people whether they had committed that salary before these taxes were imposed,” he said.
Calls for a Public-Led Political Agenda
Mwangangi said the country needs a “unity of purpose” driven by Kenyans and focused on solving challenges affecting citizens rather than temporary political alliances formed around elections. He argued that several sectors were struggling, including education, healthcare, and governance.
“We want a unity of purpose, one that is Kenyan-led and public-led. We would wish that, other than just coming together for the purposes of an election, we have an agenda. Not much is working in this country; look at education, the SHA, and massive corruption. So, the first item on the agenda is to do away with this regime so we can implement our agenda,” he stated.
His remarks come amid growing public debate over the Finance Bill 2026, which proposes changes to several tax laws, including the Income Tax Act, VAT Act, and Excise Duty Act.
The Bill has generated criticism over the lack of immediate tax relief for salaried workers despite earlier expectations that lower-income earners would receive exemptions.
Finance Bill Debate Intensifies
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has defended the government’s fiscal approach, saying authorities are still reviewing possible relief measures for low-income earners while balancing revenue collection targets.
The debate has also drawn reactions from legal and political leaders. Former Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo criticised the failure to restructure PAYE tax bands, while Safina Party Deputy Leader Willis Otieno questioned the government’s pro-worker claims amid rising taxation.
Mwangangi Praises Kalonzo Musyoka
During the interview, Mwangangi also praised Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, saying he represents leadership that prioritises citizens over personal interests.
“I would love to have a leader who does not amass everything for himself. Kalonzo put Kenyans first. He did not have to lobby to have Tseikuru Road tarmacked at the expense of the rest of Kenyans,” he said.
The Machakos deputy governor’s remarks add to growing political criticism over taxation, public spending, and governance as debate around the Finance Bill 2026 continues both inside and outside Parliament.