The National Assembly has dismissed claims circulating online that the Finance Bill, 2026 contains provisions requiring Kenyans to pay annual land rent on freehold land.
In a public clarification issued, the National Assembly described the reports as false, misleading, and intended to cause unnecessary public alarm. The statement comes amid growing debate online over alleged land reforms linked to the proposed Finance Bill.
According to National Assembly, the Finance Bill, 2026 contains a total of 57 clauses, none of which relates to land ownership, land tenure, or annual land rent.
Assembly Rejects Freehold-to-Leasehold Claims
Parliament further clarified that the Bill does not seek to convert freehold land into leasehold land, contrary to claims widely shared on social media platforms.
The Assembly also denied allegations that a separate law had already been signed by the President introducing annual land rent for freehold landowners.
It stated that no such Bill currently exists in Parliament and no legislation concerning land rent on freehold land has been passed or assented to during the current parliamentary term.
Public Urged to Ignore Misleading Information
The clarification is part of efforts by Parliament to counter misinformation surrounding the Finance Bill, which has continued to attract public scrutiny following recent debates on taxation and economic reforms.
The National Assembly urged Kenyans to verify information through official parliamentary channels before sharing it online.
Parliament also reminded the public that copies of the Finance Bill, 2026 and all Bills before the House are publicly accessible through official parliamentary platforms.
The Finance Bill, 2026 is expected to remain a key topic in national discussions as lawmakers prepare for further debate and public participation sessions.
The Bill outlines government revenue-raising measures and proposed tax adjustments for the upcoming financial year. However, Parliament’s latest clarification signals growing concern over misinformation spreading online regarding its contents.
