Kenya’s taxation plans have hit a snag after the High Court indefinitely extended a previous suspension on the Finance Act 2023.
In May 2023, the Kenyan Government proposed a number of amendments to the Finance Bill 2023. Some of the amendments included a plan to tax content creators, influencers, and crypto traders.
These amendments were not well-received by most Kenyans, and after minor modifications, the Bill became official in June 2023. However, its legality has since been called into question. Busia County Senator Okiya Omtatah, immediately filed a suit requesting its suspension.
Despite claims by former Attorney General, Githu Muigai, that a suspension of the Act would cripple the government’s operations, Justice Mugure Thande extended the suspension to Monday, July 10, 2023.
Although Muigai has claimed that the government’s operations could be harmed, opposition counsel, Otiende Amollo has faulted his claims.
“It has been 12 days since the Act was suspended, and the government has not shut down. There are mechanisms for continuity of the Finance Act, 2022,” he said.
