National Treasury Cabinet Secretary, John Mbadi, has reassured the public that the government has not abandoned its proposal for pay-as-you-earn (PAYE) tax relief for Kenyans earning below Ksh 30,000, despite its absence from the Finance Bill.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

Speaking moments after reading the 2026/27 budget in parliament on Thursday, June 11, Mbadi said the omission of the proposal from the finance bill should not be interpreted as a reversal of the promise earlier made.

According to the CS, the government is still finalising the data analysis related to the proposal before it is formally operationalised.

"Even if it is not in the Finance Bill, it is not off the table. I have explained that there were some data analyses we were doing, and the President has pronounced himself that that is going to be implemented," Mbadi stated.

📌 What You Need to Know

His remarks come amid growing public concern after the relief failed to appear in the Finance Bill 2026 , despite promises by President Ruto and the CS himself.

Mbadi insisted that the government remains committed to fulfilling the pledge, adding that the delay should not be mistaken for a change of position.

"We have committed. This government is not going to lie. Wait for that commitment. It is we who committed, and it is going to be implemented," he added.

Recently, Ruto committed to cutting PAYE for employed Kenyans earning below Ksh30,000 per month. This would be an increase in the current relief of Ksh 24,000 per month.

While speaking during the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, May 28, the Head of State directed the Treasury to develop proposals to remove PAYE deductions for workers earning up to Ksh30,000 monthly, up from the current threshold of Ksh24,000.

"I told the Treasury that it is time to look at how we can slow down, especially for the low-income earners, and remove some taxes from them," Ruto disclosed.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke