Ruto: No new tax on M-Pesa transfers, airtime or data
By Emmanuel Rono, June 23, 2026President William Ruto has assured Kenyans that the Finance Act 2026 will not add new taxes to M-Pesa transfers, airtime, or mobile data.
Speaking at the State House on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, after assenting to the Finance Bill 2026, the president sought to calm fears over claims that tax adjustments would target mobile services widely used by millions of Kenyans for daily transactions and communication.
“There is no new tax on M-Pesa or mobile money. The money you send to your family, your business, or your friends will move tomorrow as it has always done. There is no new tax on mobile phones, airtime, or data,” Ruto said.
Kenyans anxiety
The clarification comes amid growing anxiety among Kenyans over potential increases in transaction costs through mobile money platforms, which remain widely used across the country.
The Finance Bill 2026 has triggered intense political and public debate, with opposition leaders and sections of the public raising concerns over what they describe as possible hidden tax measures.
Government officials including Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, however, have maintained that several claims circulating online are misleading and politically motivated.
Signing of finance bill
The vote followed weeks of political tension inside Parliament and criticism from opposition leaders and civil society groups.
Speaking earlier on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at the 95th St John Ambulance Annual Parade and Inspection at State House, Nairobi, William Ruto confirmed he would sign the Finance Bill 2026 on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, and defended its role in financing government programmes.
“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.
Ruto signed the Finance Bill 2026 into law at State House in Nairobi, supporting revenue measures and completing the final step in the approval of the Ksh4.8 trillion national budget for the 2026/27 financial year.
Following the assent, the Finance Bill 2026 has now effectively become the Finance Act 2026.