parliament invites public views on finance bill 2026 as new tax proposals spark concern

Kenya-specific regulatory shock: 25% excise duty on mobile phones directly raises consumer prices and could dampen handset demand, affecting telecom operators (e.g., Safaricom) via reduced device sales and potential impact on mobile money adoption. Deemed profit tax on imported second-hand clothes (mitumba) increases compliance costs for importers and may shift demand to new clothing, benefiting local textile producers but squeezing low-income consumers. Cryptocurrency regulation introduces licensing/taxation for exchanges and users, potentially reducing crypto trading volumes and driving activity underground. The bill's passage is uncertain given prior protests; if enacted, sectors face margin compression from higher taxes and compliance costs.