To secure and retain exemption, non-profit organizations must satisfy three strict statutory tests organizational, operational, and public benefit while adhering to surplus fund limitations and governance standards. Boards and finance leaders must proactively evaluate operational alignment and documentation to withstand KRA regulatory reviews.
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In Aquavita Kenya Limited v Commissioner of Domestic Taxes, the Tax Appeals Tribunal affirmed that economic substance overrides legal form when classifying financial instruments for tax purposes. The ruling clarifies the application of Withholding Tax on deemed interest, restricts the Revenue Authority from imposing inconsistent tax treatments on a single transaction, and establishes procedural limits on introducing new issues during tax objections.
With Central Bank of Kenya climate risk frameworks moving toward expected mandatory application in late 2026, financial institutions across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda face heightened supervisory and investor scrutiny. This article examines why building a layered governance and risk architecture—rather than relying on top-down compliance checklists—is critical to creating defensible, bankable green finance strategies across regional markets.
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Many organizations struggle with siloed budgeting, where Finance reconciles disconnected plans from Sales, HR, Operations, and Marketing—leading to delays, errors, and outdated forecasts. Integrated Budgeting and Forecasting, a core of Extended Planning and Analysis (xP&A), solves this by uniting all departments in a shared planning environment.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) initiated a compliance review on ICEA Lion General Insurance Ltd, demanding KES 122 million in corporation tax and KES 88.8 million in VAT for 2015–2018. While the corporation tax was settled, the Tax Appeals Tribunal (TAT) ruled that VAT is not chargeable on the disposal of salvage motor vehicles, as this activity is integral to insurance business and covered under the VAT exemption for insurance services. The ruling was based on principles of indemnity and subrogation. KRA has since appealed the decision at the High Court, and the outcome will determine future VAT treatment of salvage disposals in the insurance sector.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has mandated all fuel stations to integrate with the eTIMS Fuel Station System by 30 June 2025, with enforcement beginning after 31 December 2025. The system enables real-time electronic invoicing, integrates with POS and forecourt controllers, and automatically populates VAT returns to reduce errors and streamline compliance. It supports mobile money, card payments, loyalty programs, and stock management, while ensuring offline invoicing for continuity. Non‑compliance may attract penalties and enforcement actions.
Kenya releases draft Income Tax (Advance Pricing Agreement) Regulations, 2025 for public consultation. Issued by KRA under Section 18G(5) of the Income Tax Act, the Regulations outline the framework for APAs effective 1 January 2026. Designed to reduce transfer pricing disputes, APAs align with OECD standards and BEPS Action 14. Stakeholders are invited to review and submit feedback.
This article analyzes the Nairobi Bottlers Limited v KRA case (Income Tax Appeal E079 of 2024), focusing on the application of Limitation of Benefits (LOB) under the Kenya–South Africa Double Taxation Agreement. It explores how ownership tests, treaty interpretation, and domestic tax law affect eligibility for DTA relief and refund claims. The High Court ruling sets a precedent for multinational tax compliance and cross-border payments in Kenya.
Discover how Kenya's High Court redefined fintech taxation in the landmark Pesapal v KRA case. The ruling exempts PSP commissions from VAT, overturns a Kshs. 76.8M assessment, and sets a precedent for clarity, competitiveness, and legal certainty in the fintech sector.
Kenya’s Standards Levy Order, 2025 (Legal Notice No. 89 of 2025) introduces major updates for manufacturers, effective 16 May 2025. Key changes include a shift in levy calculation from ex-factory price to customs value, expanded classifications of manufacturers, and new annual levy caps. The revised order clarifies obligations for industries such as textiles, construction, agriculture, and software development. Businesses must now pay 0.2% of customs value monthly, with exemptions and caps outlined for smaller manufacturers. Stay informed to ensure compliance with Kenya’s updated trade and industry regulations.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has automated annual income tax filing for salaried individuals and nil filers, starting January 2025. Through the iTax system, taxpayers will benefit from pre-populated returns sourced from integrated government databases, reducing manual entry, filing errors, and penalties. This move reflects KRA’s commitment to digital transformation and data-driven compliance.
Explore how strategic HR is reshaping the hybrid workplace by blending cutting-edge technology with a deep commitment to employee wellbeing. Learn how AI, adaptive policies, and empathetic leadership are driving performance, resilience, and connection in modern organizations.
This article explores modern strategies for motivating employees in diverse workplaces. It highlights the role of personalized incentives, soft skills, DEIB, and generational needs in driving engagement, productivity, and retention.
Kenya’s Finance Act 2025 introduces major tax relief for penalties and interest caused by electronic tax system errors. Taxpayers can now apply for waivers under Section 89 of the Tax Procedures Act, 2015, if liabilities arose from system glitches, registration mistakes, or update delays. Learn who qualifies, what’s excluded, and how to benefit from this long-awaited amendment.
Kenya’s VAT system imposes reverse VAT on imported services, requiring the recipient—not the foreign supplier—to account for and remit VAT. Under Section 10 of the VAT Act, imported services are taxed if supplied by a non-resident and would be taxable if provided locally. The standard rate of 16% applies, and payment is made via iTax using a PRN. Recent updates clarify that both registered and unregistered persons must comply, with VAT due at the earliest of invoice, payment, or service delivery.
Kenyan SMEs face significant HR compliance gaps due to limited awareness, weak enforcement, and lack of formal HR structures. Common issues include missing employment contracts, poor record-keeping, and non-compliance with statutory obligations like NHIF/NSSF remittances and working hour regulations. These gaps expose businesses to legal risks, financial penalties, and reputational damage, while employees suffer job insecurity and denial of benefits. Experts recommend practical solutions such as standardized HR templates, digital compliance platforms, outsourced HR support, and government-backed incentive programs. Case studies show that structured HR audits and digital tools can dramatically improve compliance, reduce turnover, and boost operational efficiency.
Kenya’s Finance Act, 2025 introduces subsection 10(1)(m) to the Income Tax Act, expanding taxable income to include payments made through digital marketplaces. Starting July 1, 2025, non-resident service providers earning from Kenyan users will be taxed, aligning with the withholding tax provisions from the 2024 Tax Laws Amendment Act.
Starting October 1st, 2025, Kenya enforces a new import regulation under the Finance Act 2025 requiring all inbound cargo to be accompanied by a valid Certificate of Origin (COO). This document—issued by a competent authority in the country of export—must be presented at customs as a prerequisite for cargo clearance. Failure to comply will lead to seizure or forfeiture of goods by the Kenya Revenue Authority.
Starting 1 July 2025, Kenya exempts stamp duty on internal company restructures involving proportional property or share transfers to shareholders. This amendment to Section 117 of the Stamp Duty Act reduces tax burdens on non-commercial reorganizations, enabling more flexible and cost-effective corporate structuring.