Claims that the Finance Bill 2026 seeks to introduce annual land rent payments on freehold property have been firmly dismissed by Kenya’s National Assembly, which has accused online users of spreading “fake news” aimed at misleading the public.
In a strongly worded statement released on Monday, May 25, the National Assembly denied reports circulating widely on social media alleging that the proposed law would convert freehold land into leasehold tenure subject to annual taxation.
According to Parliament, the claims are “false, incorrect and untrue”.
“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 statement read.
The Assembly clarified that the Finance Bill 2026 contains 57 clauses and insisted that none of them relate to land ownership, land tenure, or annual land rent.
“The 2026 Finance Bill contains a total of 57 clauses, and NONE is on the subject of land,” Parliament stated.
The clarification comes after widespread online claims alleged that the government planned to abolish freehold ownership and force landowners to pay annual rent under new tax measures.
However, the National Assembly categorically denied the allegations.
“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 added.
Parliament also moved to shut down separate claims suggesting that President William Ruto had already signed a law introducing mandatory annual land rent for freehold property owners.
According to the Assembly, no such legislation has ever been tabled before Parliament during the current 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 statement said.
The clarification was issued on the final day of public participation on the Finance Bill 2026, amid growing public scrutiny and heated debate over several proposed tax and revenue measures expected to face lawmakers in the coming weeks.
The Finance Bill has triggered intense online discussion, with Kenyans closely examining potential economic implications following public backlash against previous tax proposals.
Parliament warned that the viral claims regarding freehold land were part of a broader wave of misinformation designed to create confusion among members of the public.
The National Assembly further urged Kenyans to rely on official parliamentary platforms when seeking information about pending legislation, noting that copies of the Finance Bill 2026 and other proposed laws are publicly accessible through official Parliament channels.
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