The Kenya Medical Association (KMA) has issued a strict directive demanding that politicians and public figures immediately stop all media events, photo opportunities, and live streams inside clinical and patient-facing areas of any health facility.

The association, which serves as Kenya’s umbrella professional association for physicians, denounced the growing practice of public figures and politicians utilising medical facilities for personal or political advancement in a statement issued on Friday.

“The Kenya Medical Association strongly condemns the increasing trend of politicians, public figures, and members of the public staging photography sessions, live broadcasts, and media events within healthcare facilities for political gain or personal promotion,” KMA said.

“Filming or photographing in wards, corridors, and other patient-facing areas constitutes a serious breach of patients’ legal rights, ethical protections, and fundamental human dignity.”

KMA said such actions are “neither advocacy nor service, they are exploitative practices that undermine the rights to privacy, confidentiality, and respectful care.”

The association made specific demands to politicians, health facility administrators, and regulatory bodies.

“Politicians and public figures must immediately cease all media events, photo opportunities, and live streams inside clinical and patient-facing areas of any health facility,” the KMA demanded.

The association also called on health facility administrators to take firm action.

“Health facility administrators must enforce strict no-filming policies, require informed consent for any photography involving patients, and designate staff with the authority to penalise any visitor, regardless of status, who compromises patient dignity,” the statement read.

The KMA also urged the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) to issue a formal directive.

“The KMPDC must issue a formal directive clarifying that facilitating political filming in clinical settings constitutes professional misconduct and must investigate reported incidents,” the association said.

It also called on the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) to investigate incidents in the public domain and publish enforcement guidance specific to patient data in healthcare settings.

National and county governments were urged to “enact regulations explicitly criminalising the filming or broadcasting of patients without documented informed consent.”

KMA noted that these intrusions violate multiple legal and ethical frameworks in Kenya.

“The Constitution of Kenya, 2010, guarantees every person’s right to dignity and privacy under Articles 28 and 31,” the association said.

It added that the Data Protection Act, 2019, classifies health data as sensitive personal data, and “recording or broadcasting a patient’s image or condition without explicit informed consent violates multiple provisions of the Act and is actionable by the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner.”

The association also cited the Health Act, 2017, which “further establishes statutory rights to privacy, confidentiality, and dignified treatment.”

At the professional level, the KMA noted that “the KMPDC Code of Professional Conduct and Discipline and the WMA Declaration of Geneva are unambiguous in the commitment to patient dignity, privacy, and further affirm that the patient-physician relationship must remain free from political interference.”

KMA expressed particular concern about patients in public facilities who are economically disadvantaged and unaware of their rights.

“Patients in hospitals and especially in public facilities, who are economically disadvantaged and unaware of their rights, are particularly vulnerable to this exploitation,” the association said.

“Their vulnerability makes our obligation to protect them greater, not lesser.”

The KMA addressed Kenyan healthcare practitioners directly, urging them to stand firm.

“To the Kenyan healthcare practitioner: you have both the right and the duty to protect your patients from violations of privacy, dignity, and political intrusion,” the statement read.

“The KMA stands behind every practitioner who upholds this duty, even under pressure. You are empowered to decline access to clinical spaces. Your patients’ rights come first.”

The association stressed that medical workspaces must be respected and that legitimate political advocacy for healthcare investment should be pursued through proper channels.

“The Kenya Medical Association supports legitimate political advocacy for healthcare investment through proper channels such as budgets, legislation, and policy,” the KMA said.

“Patients are not props, hospital wards are not campaign venues, and human suffering is not content.”

The National Treasury on Saturday, May 9, responded to former Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo over eight concerns she raised about the Finance Bill 2026.  

Odhiambo questioned new policies, including tax on mitumba imports, excise duty on mobile phones, and failing to address the high Pay as You Earn (PAYE) Tax, among others.  

The former LSK President questioned why the Treasury had reneged on its promise to cushion Kenyans from high PAYE, yet other sectors remain inadequately taxed.  

Treasury explained that the Finance Bill 2026 proposed the redistribution of the tax burden across sectors, specifically targeting under-taxed areas such as the mitumba trade, corporate tax and digital devices.

It explained that it continued to engage the public on tax policy that will ease the PAYE burden.

“Public participation remains ongoing, reinforcing that tax policy is iterative and responsive, with the long-term goal of easing pressure on PAYE through a broader, more balanced tax base,” the statement read in part.

The National Treasury further defended itself for imposing a 5% presumptive tax on Mitumba Imports, therefore reducing affordability for low-income households and resulting in job losses.

It explained that the presumptive tax assumes that traders will only make a 5% profit margin on the sale of the goods.

The officials added that tax policy consolidates the taxation of mitumba products at two points: at entry and presumed income.

Therefore, all other taxation points imposed in the trade chain have been done away with, thus reducing administrative complexity and easing compliance.

“The system applies 16% VAT on goods at the point of entry. After which, it assumes a 5% profit margin from the sale of the goods. This profit will be subjected to a one-off income tax of 30% under a presumptive framework. No further taxes will be issued after this,” the statement continued.

Treasury also responded to concerns that the 25 percent excise duty on mobile phones may limit digital access, financial inclusion and the participation of youths in the economy.

It explained that the policy was a part of the plan of broadening the tax base to avoid increasing PAYE. It identified that the digital sectors reported high growth, and there was a need to tap into the revenue.

“By shifting taxation toward device activation/use, the system captures actual participation rather than relying on import declarations.

“This ensures a more equitable contribution across users while strengthening enforcement in a rapidly expanding digital economy,” the statement continued.

Odhiambo further questioned why the government decided to bring forward the deadline for filing tax returns from June 30 to April 30.

She pointed out that the move increased pressure for SMES and individuals with limited administrative capacity.

Treasury officials explained that moving deadlines earlier not only enhances tax administration efficiency and system discipline but also allows KRA to verify and validate returns within the same financial cycle.

They explained that apart from improving revenue forecasting and reducing discrepancies, it supports the shift toward a data-driven, proactive compliance system, even though it introduces short-term adjustment pressure for taxpayers.

The drafters of the Dinance Bill 2026 defended the decision to impose VAT on Digital Financial Services. They explained that the Bill clarifies VAT treatment for digital intermediaries rather than introducing entirely new taxes.

Odhiambo questioned why the Treasury imposed the Deemed Dividend Tax on 60 per cent of undistributed income, stating that it discouraged reinvestment, limited business growth and created an unfavourable business environment.

“Introducing a clear 60% threshold replaces discretionary enforcement with predictability. The intent is to ensure that profit retention is commercially justified, not tax-driven. 

“This balances investor confidence with the need to prevent prolonged deferral of tax obligations,” officials from the Treasury responded.

Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has raised concerns over the proposed Finance Bill, 2026, warning that several of its tax measures could increase the financial burden on households, small businesses, and investors if not carefully reviewed by Parliament.

In a statement, Odhiambo noted that the Finance Bill, 2026, which was gazetted on April 30 and is currently before Parliament, seeks to raise sh3.63 trillion in revenue in the 2026/27 financial year.

Odhiambo further highlighted that the budget deficit is projected to widen to 5.3 per cent of GDP, up from 4.7 per cent in 2025/26, saying that while the fiscal targets may be achievable, the distribution of the tax burden raises concern.

She pointed to several proposed tax measures, including changes to income tax filing timelines, taxation of mitumba imports, adjustments to rental income tax, and reforms affecting digital financial services. Odhiambo warned that these could increase compliance costs and place additional pressure on households and businesses.

“Such measures risk placing additional pressure on already strained households and enterprises operating in a challenging economic environment,” she said, particularly affecting small traders and low-income earners who rely on informal trade and digital platforms.

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Odhiambo also raised concerns over proposed changes affecting investment income and corporate tax structures. She specifically criticised an amendment to Section 24 of the Income Tax Act, which would allow the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to deem at least 60 per cent of a company’s undistributed income as dividends for tax purposes.

“This fails to account for legitimate decisions on reinvestment, working capital and business growth. It is a retrogressive measure that sends the wrong signal to the investors Kenya needs,” she said.

On the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) framework, Odhiambo said there was disappointment over the absence of expected tax relief measures. “Kenyans were led to expect relief and restructuring of tax bands to ease the burden on salaried workers. That proposal does not appear in this Bill. An explanation is owed to every employed Kenyan who was waiting for it,” she said.

She further cautioned that proposed changes to taxation of financial transactions and digital payment services could undermine financial inclusion by increasing the cost of essential financial tools used by millions of Kenyans.

Despite her concerns, Odhiambo acknowledged that the Bill contains some positive measures, including tax amnesty extensions and targeted VAT exemptions on selected goods and services, saying they could ease pressure in key sectors if properly implemented.

However, she urged Parliament to exercise strong oversight during its consideration of the Bill. “Be that as it may, we cannot afford a repeat of June 2024. Parliament must discharge its oversight role with the seriousness this moment demands. Every clause must be scrutinised,” she said.

The Kenya Meteorological Department issued its latest 24‑hour weather forecast on the night of May 8, spanning Friday evening through late Saturday, May 9.

The advisory signals continuing rainfall across wide swathes of the country, with heavier downpours concentrated in the Highlands both east and west of the Rift Valley.

Strong southerly and southeasterly winds, surpassing 25 knots (12.5 m/s), are also anticipated in parts of the North Western, North Eastern, and South Eastern Lowlands.

Friday night brought showers and thunderstorms in the western highlands, the Lake Victoria Basin, and Rift Valley counties, among them Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma, Kisumu, Kisii, Nyamira, Migori, Siaya, Homabay, Kericho, Nandi, Bomet, Nakuru, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Trans‑Nzoia, and Narok.

Scattered rains would be expected Saturday morning, followed by widespread afternoon storms.

Across the eastern highlands, including Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru, Kiambu, Tharaka Nithi, Laikipia, Nyandarua, and Nairobi, showers were recorded overnight.

Morning conditions will feature sunny breaks with light rainfall in isolated areas, before showers return in the afternoon.

In the north‑west, Turkana and Samburu saw showers in a few places overnight.

Sunny intervals and light rains are likely in the morning, with afternoon thunderstorms possible.

Turkana may also face strong southeasterly winds exceeding 25 knots.

North‑eastern counties, Marsabit, Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, and Isiolo, experienced partly cloudy skies with isolated showers.

Saturday morning will bring mostly sunny intervals with occasional rains, while the afternoon may see scattered showers. Winds above 25 knots are forecast for Marsabit, Garissa, and Isiolo.

The south‑eastern lowlands, including Machakos, Makueni, Kitui, Taita Taveta, and Kajiado counties, had showers in a few areas overnight.

Sunny intervals with light rains are expected in the morning, followed by more showers in the afternoon.

Strong southerly winds exceeding 25 knots are likely in Makueni, Kitui, and Taita Taveta.

Along the coast, Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, and Tana River, partly cloudy skies and isolated showers were observed Friday night.

Showers are expected in limited areas Saturday morning, with similar conditions recurring in the afternoon.