The government has digitised the public participation process for the Finance Bill 2025. The exercise, which commenced on Thursday, was launched by National Assembly Finance and Planning Committee Chairperson and Molo MP Kuria Kimani, who introduced a QR code that stakeholders can use to access the bill and submit their feedback virtually.
This year’s process also includes hearings for the Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill 2025. Both bills are being reviewed concurrently, with a two-week public hearing period currently underway at the Edge Convention Centre in South C, Nairobi.
Kuria Kimani urged Kenyans to actively participate, emphasising that the new digital format is designed to be more inclusive. “We have officially commenced public hearings on two critical Bills… To ensure inclusive participation, please submit your views virtually via the QR code,” he said.
Speaking during the hearing, Kimani explained that digitising the process was a deliberate move to address the shortcomings of previous public engagement efforts. The Finance Bill 2024 was met with widespread protests and criticism due to what many citizens perceived as insufficient consultation and transparency.
“This time around, we committed to go beyond the traditional KICC meetings. Not many people can leave work to physically give their views. The virtual platform ensures everyone has an opportunity to be heard,” Kimani said.
The new approach is expected to significantly broaden citizen engagement and streamline feedback collection. By leveraging digital tools, the government aims to make the legislative process more accessible, efficient, and responsive to public concerns.
Observers view the digitisation as a proactive response to the lessons learned from last year’s backlash, signalling the government’s willingness to adapt and build public trust.
As debate on the Finance Bill 2025 looms, stakeholders now have a more convenient avenue to voice their opinions, shaping Kenya’s fiscal policies in a more democratic and transparent manner. The public is encouraged to scan the QR code and submit their feedback before the hearings conclude.
