Mavoko Member of Parliament Patrick Makau Speaking during the commissioning of a new ultra-modern tuition block in Mulolongo Primary on June 19, 2026. Photo by Andrew Mbuva. 
By Andrew Mbuva.
Mavoko Member of Parliament Patrick Makau has opposed the Finance Bill 2026, saying the proposed tax measures fail to address the economic hardships facing ordinary Kenyans.
Speaking during the commissioning of a new ultra-modern tuition block comprising nine classrooms at Mlolongo Primary School, the legislator said the government must prioritize policies that protect wananchi from the high cost of living and heavy taxation.
Makau said the Finance Bill 2026 should be people-centered and aimed at reducing the tax burden on low-income earners rather than introducing measures that could further strain households.
“The Finance Bill must defend the ordinary Kenyan. Taxes have become too high and the government should use this opportunity to reduce them,” he said.
The MP cited President William Ruto’s Labour Day remarks that employees earning below KSh30,000 should be exempted from Pay As You Earn (PAYE), arguing that the proposal was not reflected in the Finance Bill.
According to Makau, this omission has contributed to growing opposition to the proposed legislation.
He also called for the removal of taxes imposed on second-hand clothing imports, popularly known as mitumba, saying the levy would increase the cost of affordable clothing relied upon by many Kenyans.
The legislator further opposed proposals to increase taxes on landlords, arguing that such taxes would eventually be transferred to tenants through higher rent charges.
“Even if a property owner is a foreign investor with many houses in Kenya, the people living in those houses are Kenyans. Increasing taxes on landlords only ends up hurting ordinary citizens,” he said.
Makau proposed that the tax rate on property owners be reduced to about seven percent instead of the proposed 30 percent, noting that Kenyans in the diaspora who invest in housing back home should also be protected.
He urged the national government to reconsider the contentious tax proposals and develop a Finance Bill that supports economic growth while easing the financial burden on citizens.
The MP made the remarks after commissioning a new nine-classroom tuition block at Mlolongo Primary School, a project he said demonstrates his commitment to improving education infrastructure and providing a conducive learning environment for learners in Mavoko Constituency.
Makau noted that investment in education remains a priority for his leadership, adding that modern learning facilities are essential in enhancing academic performance and ensuring learners study in a safe and comfortable environment.
