Kenya's Finance Bill Focuses on Tax Administration Amid No New Tax Increases

In a significant policy shift, Kenya's finance minister announced that the government will not introduce new taxes or raise existing ones in this year's budget. This decision follows last year's deadly protests against tax hikes.

Protests led by youths resulted in over 50 casualties, persuading President William Ruto to retract tax hikes worth 346 billion shillings. Finance Minister John Mbadi stated in a televised meeting that the current finance bill focuses more on efficient tax collection and closing loopholes.

Although no new major tax measures are planned, the bill aims to raise an additional 25-30 billion shillings. A proposal allowing the tax authority to access financial information has been criticized, though Mbadi defended it, emphasizing the need to ensure wealthier individuals pay their fair share of taxes.

(With inputs from agencies.)