National Assembly Budget Committee chairperson Ndindi Nyoro has called upon the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and other government agencies to involve the public before implementing new taxes.
Speaking during a church service on Sunday, the Kiharu Member of Parliament highlighted the growing burden of heavy taxation on many Kenyans amid a struggling economy.
Nyoro highlighted concerns over increased import duties, stating that they adversely affect Kenyan businesses despite the government’s commitment to promoting local enterprises.
“As you make changes and especially increasing duty like the one we did recently it is important to do public participation. You call stakeholders and engage them,” Nyoro said.
He stressed the importance of public participation in decision-making regarding tax adjustments, urging authorities to engage stakeholders before implementing changes.
“I ask the chair of domestic taxes in Kenya the increment of duty from Ksh.2 million to Ksh.3 million…first hold it and hold a meeting with business people,” Nyoro added.
Addressing the recent increment in import duty from Ksh. 2 million to Ksh. 3 million, Nyoro urged the chair of domestic taxes in Kenya to organize meetings with business representatives before proceeding with the adjustment.
He cautioned that such increases could lead to traders passing on the additional costs to consumers or facing significant losses, particularly when importing goods amidst fluctuating dollar rates.
