Lawmakers have backed proposals by the National Assembly Committee on Finance to amend contentious clauses in the Finance Bill, 2025.

One of the targeted changes is the Kenya Revenue Authority’s proposal to have unfettered access to private data and trade secrets in a bid to increase revenue collection.

The proposal seeks to empower KRA to compel institutions such as banks, digital platforms and mobile service providers to disclose sensitive personal and commercial data, including financial records and trade secrets, without notifying the taxpayer.

Yesterday, MPs lauded the Bill as progressive as it did not increase taxes like the previous ones. But the House agreed on the need to do away with the proposal to grant KRA sweeping access to taxpayers’ data, terming it an overreach.

Committee Chairman, Kimani Kuria, explained that Clause 52 of the Bill fails to meet the constitutional standard set under Article 31 (c) and (d) of the Constitution, which guarantee the right to privacy.

“The committee also noted that the Data Protection Act of 2019, Section 51 sets out clear and limited grounds under which access to personal data may be exempted from certain protections. Furthermore, Section 60 of the Tax Procedures Act already provides the commissioner or an authorised officer with sufficient powers to obtain necessary information for tax administration subject to court issued warrants. This safeguard strikes a balance between tax enforcement and protection of individuals,” he said. 

Kuria stated that unlike previous Finance Bills, this year’s was not merely a revenue-raising tool but a policy-making instrument. 

“Its central focus is to enhance tax revenue collection through strategic administrative reforms and improve tax payer compliance. Rather than introducing new taxes, the Bill proposes the simplification of existing tax laws to make them clearer, more predictable and accessible to all tax payers,” he argued. 

“The Finance Act of 2022 had a projected revenue of Sh22 billion, the Finance Act of 2023 had Sh211 billion, the Finance Bill of 2024 had intention to raise Sh244 billion, the Tax Laws Amendment Act Sh449 billion but the Finance Bill of 2025 only Sh25 billion.”

The committee further sought to assure Kenyans that the reforms introduced in the current Bill are aimed at curbing tax evasion, expanding the tax base and ensuring that all eligible tax payers contribute their fair share.

“These policies aim to ensure predictability and sustainability within the tax system, thereby fostering more environment for business… The Finance Bill embodies the government’s commitment to modernizing tax administration and fostering a culture of trust and corporation between the Kenya Revenue Authority and the citizens.” 

Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu called for a predictable tax regime.

“If we want to get this journey right, we must broaden the tax base. We must also seek the tax leaks and have a predictable tax regime in this country so that in 10 years I know what the tax regime will look like,” he said. By Josphat Thiong’o and Irene Githinji, The Standard

Members of the National Assembly have backed the nomination of new National Police Service Commissioners (NPSC), emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in the police service amid escalating public outrage over alleged brutality and a worsening relationship between law enforcement and citizens.

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma urged legislators to approve the nominees, stressing that the appointments come at a critical time when the balance between enforcing the law and safeguarding civil liberties is under serious threat.

“Honourable Speaker, we face a pressing challenge—one that demands deep reflection on how we can uphold our fundamental freedoms while recognizing that these freedoms have reasonable limits,” Kaluma said.

He cautioned against condoning misconduct within the police service, asserting that rogue officers must be held accountable.

“Those officers who act outside the law must be held to account— let us empower our police officers to carry out their duties professionally while also ensuring that all Kenyans can enjoy their rights and freedoms without fear or intimidation,” the Homa Bay Town MP added.

Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo echoed Kaluma’s sentiments, raising concern over low morale among officers.

“To speak plainly and without prejudice, the relationship between the police and the public is perhaps at its lowest point,” he said.

Oundo attributed the breakdown to systemic issues within the police service, including poor working conditions, inadequate pay, and a lack of essential operational resources.

“It is disheartening, Mr. Speaker, that in this day and age, many officers still lack transportation. Even where vehicles are available, some stations don’t have the fuel needed to operate them,” he noted.

Oundo also underscored the growing mental health challenges within the force, warning that poor conditions are pushing officers to the brink and weakening service delivery.

“It is completely unacceptable for any officer to brutalize another human being. This Parliament must support reforms that shift the police from being seen as a brutal force to a people-centered service—one that is not weaponized to serve political interests,” said the Funyula MP.

Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo also lent his voice to the debate, calling for a fresh, transformative vision within the Commission.

“We need new minds and new ideas—people who won’t simply replicate the actions of their predecessors but will instead lead meaningful change,” he stated.

Ngogoyo criticized a recent incident in which a hawker was shot dead by police in town, saying such actions deeply erode public trust.

“This young man was unarmed. He didn’t resist arrest. He didn’t flee. It’s deeply troubling that someone so defenseless was met with such excessive force,” he lamented.

He further criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing it of failing to fulfill promises made to the police service.

“We made solemn pledges to improve the working conditions of our officers. The truth is, many of those promises remain unfulfilled,” Ngogoyo said. By Irene Mwangi, Capital News

Mali has initiated construction of a new gold refinery backed by Russia, marking a step towards the country’s goal of asserting greater control over its natural resources, according to a Reuters report.

The facility, with a 200 tonne (t) capacity and a controlling stake held by Mali, is a joint venture (JV) with Russia’s Yadran Group and a Swiss investment firm.

The new refinery is expected to become a regional processing hub for gold, not only from Mali but also from neighbouring countries such as Burkina Faso. 

Despite West Africa’s status as a major gold producer, the region has lacked a functional and globally certified gold refinery.

This has been a long-standing gap in the market despite previous attempts to establish such a facility, including by Ghana, the continent’s leading gold producer.

Mali’s interim president Colonel Assimi Goita has emphasised the refinery’s role in improving the tracking of gold production and exports.

He pointed out that, like many African nations, Mali suffers significant financial losses due to gold smuggling, exacerbated by the lack of certified refineries and traceability programmes.

The construction of the refinery is part of broader mining reforms under Mali’s military leader, who assumed power in 2021.

These reforms have included a revised mining code that aligns with changes in neighbouring countries such as Guinea, Niger and Burkina Faso, causing unease among investors.

Tensions have been evident in Mali’s mining sector, as seen with the recent court decision to place the Loulo-Gounkoto gold complex operated by Canadian mining company Barrick under temporary state control amidst a tax dispute. Mining Technology