The National Assembly has dismissed claims circulating online that the Finance Bill 2026 contains provisions requiring Kenyans with freehold land to pay annual land rent.
In a statement issued on Monday, May 25, the National Assembly termed the reports as fake news, clarifying that the Finance Bill 2026 does not contain any clauses related to land matters.
“It has been brought to our attention that fake news has been circulating online misinforming Kenyans on the contents of the Finance Bill, 2026,” the notice read, adding, “The 2026 Finance Bill contains a total of 57 clauses, and NONE is on the subject of land.”
The National Assembly specifically refuted claims that the Bill seeks to convert freehold land into leasehold land subject to annual rent payments.
“Is it true that the Finance Bill, 2026, seeks to convert freehold land to leasehold land where the public will pay annual land rent? NO. This is purely false, incorrect and untrue,” the notice stated.
At the same time, Parliament dismissed claims that President William Ruto had signed a separate law introducing annual land rent requirements on freehold land.
According to the statement, no such Bill has been tabled before Parliament or signed into law during the current parliamentary term.
“Is it true a new land law was signed by the President with similar provisions on payment of annual land rent for freehold land? NO. There is no such a Bill in Parliament, and no Act has been passed by Parliament or signed into law by the President in the current Parliament relating to land rent on freehold land,” the assembly wrote.
The notice comes on the final day of public participation on the Bill, as Kenyans have been circulating information about it and raising awareness.
The Finance Bill 2026 has prompted increased public scrutiny and widespread debate online over some of the proposals expected to be considered by lawmakers.
Parliament warned that the misleading reports were intended to spread disinformation and mislead the public on the contents of the Bill.
The National Assembly further urged Kenyans to verify legislative documents through official parliamentary platforms before sharing information online, as copies of the Finance Bill 2026 and other Bills before the House are available on the Parliament of Kenya website.