- The National Treasury in Kenya is proposing to increase the value-added tax (VAT) on products and services from 16 percent to 18 percent.
- The Treasury argues that Kenya’s current VAT rate is lower compared to neighboring countries in the East African Community.
- The proposed increase in taxes is aimed at financing President William Ruto’s bottom-up economic agenda to lift more Kenyans out of poverty.
- The government also plans to increase excise duty on spirits and other products with higher alcohol content to discourage consumption.
- The excise duty rate for tobacco products will be harmonized, and taxes on sugar-based non-alcoholic beverages will be reviewed to prevent obesity and diet-related diseases.
- Kenyans are encouraged to submit their recommendations on the proposed tax changes by October 6, 2023.
Source: capitalfm.co.ke
Note that this post was (partially) written with the help of AI. It is always useful to review the original source material, and where needed to obtain (local) advice from a specialist.
