Kuria Kimani Clarifies Claims of Rental Income Tax Increase in Finance Bill. Molo Member of Parliament Kuria Kimani has rejected claims that the government plans to increase rental income taxes for landlords. He assured Kenyans that the proposed changes will not introduce higher tax rates.
Kimani, who chairs the National Assembly Finance Committee, spoke at Parliament on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. He said the amendments focus on improving tax administration rather than raising taxes.
Changes Target Tax Collection Process
The lawmaker explained that the proposed amendments will change how rental income tax is collected from non-resident landlords. He said the move aims to remove challenges affecting tenants and tax compliance.
Currently, tenants renting from non-resident landlords must withhold tax and submit it to the Kenya Revenue Authority. Kimani said this creates difficulties because tenants may not know their landlord’s residency status.
Kimani said the government wants non-resident landlords to handle their own rental income tax obligations. He argued that the change will make the process simpler and more effective.
The MP maintained that the tax rate for non-resident landlords will remain unchanged. He said landlords will continue paying the same rate applied under the current law.
Finance Bill Debate Continues
Kimani’s remarks come amid public debate over proposed changes in the Finance Bill 2026. Some Kenyans have raised concerns over possible tax increases affecting individuals and businesses.
The Finance Committee chairperson said some proposals focus on improving systems rather than creating new taxes. He urged the public to understand the difference between administrative changes and increased taxation.
The proposed adjustment aims to improve rental income tax collection by placing responsibility on the right parties. Authorities believe the change will help reduce confusion during tax payments.
Kimani reiterated that landlords will not face additional rental income tax charges. He said the main goal remains making tax compliance easier for both the government and taxpayers.
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