Court Declines to Suspend Finance Bill 2026 Provisions, Certifies Petition as Urgent

The High Court of Kenya has certified as urgent a petition challenging several provisions of the Finance Bill 2026, but declined to grant the conservatory orders sought by the Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK). Justice David Mburu ordered that the petition be served by close of business on June 17, 2026, and that responses be filed within seven days. COFEK, through its Secretary General Stephen Mutoro, filed the petition on June 15, arguing that the proposed amendments raise constitutional concerns regarding consumer protection, privacy rights, public participation, and fair taxation. The challenged provisions include taxation on digital payment systems, removal of certain VAT exemptions, and expanded powers for the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).