Kenya publishes finance bill 2020 including taxation of digital economy
On 5 May 2020, the Kenya government published the Finance Bill, 2020 that includes a proposal for digital services tax and minimum tax. The bill proposes that income from services earned through a digital marketplace in Kenya will be taxed at the
See MoreKenya submits the finance bill 2020 to parliament
On 6 May 2020, the finance bill for 2020 was presented to the National Assembly National Assembly for its consideration. The bill includes the following proposals related to corporate income tax; Introduction a minimum tax payable at 1% of gross
See MoreKenya: President announces tax relief measures in response to COVID-19 pandemic
On 25 March 2020, the Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta outlined tax proposals intended to provide the following tax relief measures regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. A reduction in corporate tax for companies from 30% to 25%. It is
See MoreKenya signs BEPS MLI on multinational group taxation
On 26 November 2019, Kenya signed the Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Related Measures to Prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (MLI). The provisional list of reservations and notifications to the MLI (i.e. its MLI position)
See MoreKenya: President approves the finance act 2019
On 7 November 2019, the Kenyan president approved a law of the parliament, the Finance Act of 2019. The act proposes significant changes to various tax laws in Kenya, including the Income Tax Act, the Capital Markets Act and the Banking Law. Key
See MoreKenya: Finance Minister proposes Budget for the Financial Year 2019/20
On 13 June 2019, the Finance Minister, Henry Rotich of Kenya presented the budget for 2019/20 to the parliament. The budget includes the following tax related measures: Capital Gains Tax is proposed to be increased from 5% to 12.5%. There is
See MoreKenya: KRA releases a notification on taxation of e-commerce
On 3 May 2019, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) published a public notification on the taxation of e-commerce regarding some taxpayers carry on online business and they do not file returns or pay taxes on the transactions. The tax authority
See MoreKenya: Court of Appeal explains the decision about Ruling on income “paid” for Withholding tax
On 5 February 2019, the Kenyan Court of Appeal issued its ruling on: Kenya Revenue Authority v. The Republic of Kenya (ex parte Fintel Limited). In this case, the Court of Appeal overruled the decision of the High Court that the withholding tax
See MoreKenya simplifies the taxation of non-tax profits distributed as dividends
On 8 February 2019, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) published a notice clarifying the new measure introduced by the Finance Act, 2018. The Act introduced a new corporate rate on untaxed gains or profits from which dividends are distributed with
See MoreKenya: Budget for 2018-19
Kenya’s Treasury Cabinet Secretary submitted the 2018-19 Budget on 14th June 2018. Government’s big four agenda of creating jobs, transforming lives and sharing prosperity and supporting the construction of at least 50,000 affordable houses by
See MoreKenya publishes draft income tax bill for 2018
National Treasury of Kenya has published the Draft Income Tax Bill 2018 for public comment. The draft Bill is intended to replace the current Income Tax Act with some certain provisions. Some of the main points are condensed as follows: Corporate
See MoreAgreement to Create the African Continental Free Trade Area
On 21 March 2018 leaders of 44 African countries signed an agreement to create the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The agreement if implemented would remove barriers to trade, such as tariffs and import quotas, allowing the free flow
See MoreDTA signs between Kenya and China
On 21 September 2017, Kenya and China signed a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) that aims to boost bilateral commercial ties, Kenyan officials said. Cabinet Secretary in the National Treasury Henry Rotich told a media briefing in Nairobi that the
See MoreKenya ratifies DTA with Netherlands
On 18 August 2017, according to published Legal Notice 169 of 2017 in the Official Gazette of Kenya, which ratifies the pending Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) with the Netherlands for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal
See MoreKenya approves Finance Act 2017
The Finance Act 2017, has been gazetted on 23rd June 2017. The Finance Act seeks to amend the law relating to various taxes and duties. Corporate tax related reforms: New motor vehicle assemblers in Kenya will now enjoy a decreased corporate
See MoreKenya: Finance Bill for 2017
The Cabinet Secretary (CS) has submitted the national budget to the National Treasury on 30 March 2017. The Finance Bill 2017 has been published thereafter and pending tabling before the National Assembly for debate and approval. Some changes
See MoreDTA between Kenya and Korea (Rep.) enters into force
The Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) between Kenya and Korea (Rep.) was entered into force for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income on 3 April 2017. This treaty will apply from 1
See MoreKenya presents budget for 2017-18
The Cabinet Secretary submitted the budget for 2017-18 to the National Assembly on 30 March 2017. the main changes are summarised below: Withholding taxes Dividends paid to non-residents by enterprises operating in Special Economic Zones will be
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