Political Ringside recently hosted a discussion on the proposed Finance Bill 2026, with host Tonny Nyakoko speaking to Angel Mbuthia about the possible impact of the bill on young Kenyans and the wider public.
The conversation focused on growing concerns over taxation, unemployment, leadership, and public trust, as many citizens continue to closely watch government policies that directly affect their daily lives.
At the center of the discussion was the reaction that has already begun to emerge even before the bill is formally debated in Parliament.
According to Angel Mbuthia, many Kenyans have become increasingly skeptical whenever new tax measures are proposed. She noted that previous experiences have left many citizens feeling burdened by policies that raised the cost of living while offering little relief from economic hardships.
As a result, some people are already expressing opposition to the proposed bill, fearing that it could introduce additional financial pressure at a time when many households are struggling.
The discussion revisited the events surrounding the Finance Bill 2024, which sparked widespread protests across the country.
Those demonstrations, largely driven by young people, reflected frustrations over taxes, unemployment, and economic challenges.
Angel observed that the memories of those events remain fresh for many Kenyans. Because of that history, any new finance bill is likely to be examined more carefully by the public, especially by young people who were actively involved in demanding accountability and better governance.
Angel explained that some of the areas expected to be affected by the Finance Bill 2026 include digital transactions, rental income, and other sectors where many young people earn a living.
She argued that while the government needs revenue to fund public services, taxation should be balanced in a way that does not place excessive strain on ordinary citizens.
In her view, economic realities such as job scarcity and rising prices should be considered when making decisions that affect taxpayers.
The conversation also explored the role of leadership and accountability.
Angel, who serves as the national youth chairperson of the Jubilee Party and is pursuing elective leadership, emphasized the importance of having leaders who are willing to represent citizens’ concerns without fear.
She expressed concern about what she described as inconsistencies in how public concerns are addressed and how demonstrations are sometimes handled.
Another major topic was the growing political awareness among young people. Both Tonny and Angel noted that social media has transformed civic engagement, allowing young Kenyans to organize, share information, and participate in national conversations more actively than before.
The increased involvement of youth in political discussions has made it more difficult for leaders to ignore their concerns.
Unemployment also featured prominently in the discussion. Angel pointed out that many young people are looking for opportunities to improve their lives and build sustainable futures.
She argued that policies should focus not only on raising revenue but also on creating an environment where businesses can grow and jobs can be created.
According to her, addressing youth unemployment remains one of the country’s most urgent priorities.
Throughout the interview, Angel repeatedly stressed the importance of public participation.
She maintained that citizens should have meaningful opportunities to contribute to discussions on policies that affect them.
She also encouraged young people to remain engaged through voting, peaceful advocacy, community organizing, and even seeking elective positions themselves.
Political Ringside continues to provide a platform for such conversations, bringing together voices from different backgrounds to discuss important national issues in a direct and accessible manner.
