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“It’s fake!” Treasury Denounces Video About Finance Bill 2025

Jan 22, 2025
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The National Treasury has dismissed as false the information circulating online about the Finance Bill 2025.

In a statement, the Treasury clarified that anyone discussing the details of the Finance Bill 2025 at this stage lacks a proper understanding of the budgeting process and its timelines.

“This information is inaccurate. No tax measures have been released for public comment at this time. As per established procedure, the National Treasury will formally publish any proposed tax measures for public review through official media channels,” the Treasury said.

The Ministry of Finance urged Kenyans to disregard any unofficial information and to rely solely on verified updates from the National Treasury.

The misinformation circulating includes a video posted online by an individual claiming to provide “highlights” of the 2025 Finance Bill. Among the false claims are proposals for:

  1. A tax on neonatal (newborn) care.
  2. A levy on diaspora remittances.
  3. An 18% VAT.
  4. VAT on all products, including milk, bread, and ugali, with no exemptions or zero ratings.
  5. A PAYE rate of 37.7% for high-income earners and 25% as the lowest rate.
  6. A “Mazingira” tax (similar to the eco-levy) on all goods.
  7. An increase in fuel levies by 10 Ksh per liter to 35 Ksh.
  8. A mobile money levy on paybills and till numbers at 1% of the transaction amount.
  9. An agriculture tax of 5% on the sales of products such as tea, coffee, and avocados.
  10. Land rates on both leasehold and freehold properties, with an idle land tax at 10% of the land’s value.
  11. An internet access levy of 15% on bundle purchases.
  12. A sugar tax on chocolates, soft drinks, and other beverages.
  13. A plastic levy on all products with plastic packaging.
    The Treasury has reiterated that these claims are untrue and not reflective of any current proposals under consideration.

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