Molo MP Kuria Kimani has sought to reassure Kenyans that the Finance Bill 2026 does not propose any new taxes on mitumba, dismissing reports circulating to the public as misinformation.

Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, the National Assembly Finance Committee Chairperson said extensive public participation had been conducted and that concerns about increased taxation on mitumba were unfounded.

“On the issue of mithumba, we have had extensive public participation and want to guarantee the members of the family that there is no imposed taxation on mithumba. So ignore all the propaganda and all the misinformation and disinformation that there is added taxation on mitumba. There is not, in our reports, any increase in taxation for mitumba,” Kimani stated.

Kimani emphasised that the committee had taken into account views collected through public participation and that the final report does not recommend any additional tax burden on second-hand clothing imports.

The legislator urged members of the public to rely on official information regarding the Finance Bill and avoid being misled by what he described as propaganda and disinformation. According to him, the committee’s recommendations are aimed at balancing revenue collection needs with the protection of ordinary Kenyans from unnecessary financial pressure.

Public scrutiny on Mitumba taxation

Mitumba trade remains a critical sector in Kenya’s economy, providing affordable clothing to millions of consumers while supporting thousands of traders across the country. Any suggestion of increased taxation on the sector often generates significant public interest due to its direct impact on household spending and livelihoods.

His remarks come amid heightened public scrutiny of tax proposals contained in the Finance Bill, with many Kenyans expressing concerns about the potential impact of new taxes on the cost of living and small businesses.

The clarification from the lawmaker is expected to ease concerns among mitumba traders and consumers who had feared that new tax measures could lead to higher clothing prices and increased operating costs within the sector.