Ruto sets date for signing Finance Bill 2026 into law
By Sharon Atieno, June 21, 2026President William Ruto has for the first time publicly confirmed that he will sign the controversial Finance Bill 2026 on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, setting the stage for the formal enactment of one of the country’s most debated economic pieces of legislation after days of heated political contestation and sharp divisions across the political divide.
Speaking on Sunday, June 21, 2026, during the 95th St John Ambulance Annual Parade and Inspection at State House, Nairobi, Ruto revealed that preparations were complete for the signing, signalling the final step after Parliament overwhelmingly approved the bill.
Tuesday signing now confirmed
In his remarks, the Head of State directly addressed the issue, making it clear that the legislation now awaits presidential assent.
“It is the reason why in the budget and the Finance Bill that I’m going to sign on Tuesday, we have enhanced the resources to make sure that we cover every aspect of the commitments we have made to the people of Kenya,” Ruto said.
The statement marks Ruto’s clearest confirmation yet on the fate of the bill, ending speculation over when the final signing would take place following the intense parliamentary battle witnessed in recent days.
Parliament clears contentious bill
The Finance Bill 2026 successfully passed through the National Assembly on Thursday, June 18, after lawmakers voted 122 in favour and 40 against, with no abstentions recorded in the decisive Third Reading vote.
The bill sparked intense debate inside and outside Parliament, with government-allied legislators defending it as necessary for sustaining key budget priorities, while opposition leaders accused the administration of pushing measures they claimed would worsen the cost of living crisis facing ordinary Kenyans.
Ruto praises MPs for backing bill
The president had earlier applauded lawmakers for standing firm and ensuring the legislation sailed through despite criticism and political pressure from opponents.
Speaking in Nandi on Friday, June 19, 2026, Ruto thanked Parliament for rejecting what he termed propaganda surrounding the bill.
“Nashukuru Bunge jana walipitisha Finance Bill na kutoruhusu watu wa porojo, fitina na propaganda… History will record that when a time was required to stand for country, you were there,” he said.
With Tuesday, June 23, 2026 now confirmed, all eyes remain on State House as Ruto moves to officially seal the Finance Bill 2026 into law, marking another defining moment in Kenya’s fiscal and political landscape.