Sessional Paper No. 02 of 2023 on National Tax Policy

Abstract

The National Tax Policy is part of the Government’s efforts to enhance predictability and transparency in tax policies. The Policy is underpinned on the Government’s commitment to address the challenges that have faced the Kenyan tax system for a long time. As such this National Tax Policy identifies and analyses the challenges of the current tax regime and sets out broad policy guidelines to address these challenges thereby forming a basis for tax reforms and review of existing tax legislation. This is critical in nurturing a conducive environment for both local and foreign investors. The Policy is aligned to the Fourth Medium-Term Plan (2023-2027) of the Kenya Vision 2030 that prioritizes implementation of economic recovery strategies under the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). BETA focuses on interventions that reduce cost of living; increase employment; incentivize investment and production; achieve more equitable distribution of income; enhance social security; expand tax base; and increase foreign exchange earnings. The Policy is developed against a background of tight fiscal space occasioned by emerging expenditure pressures arising from drought related expenditures and external shocks, and financing constraints due to tight liquidity conditions.