The National Assembly’s Finance and Planning Committee has summoned senior management of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) over tax on personal or household items whether new or used being brought into the country.
According to complaints raised via social media, there has been harassment of tourists by KRA officials who demand tax from anyone bringing in items worth USD 500 (Ksh.75,425) and above.
The committee Chairman stated that the East Africa Community Customs Management Act 2010, will be reviewed even though KRA acted according to its right.
“We cannot continue to send people away when we need to continue giving them morale. The tourism sector is becoming very competitive around the world, we must be cautious,” Finance Committee Chair Kuria Kimani said.
Kuria said that they will be reviewing the Act 2010 of the Eat African Community Customs Management with a view of amending the proposals to make them more friendly.
“As we’re trying to resuscitate the economy, we need better treatment of taxpayers, if there is need to review the law and make sure we maintain Kenya as a tourist destination of choice, then we are seized of the matter,” he stated.
The committee will also seek to address other tax related concerns raised by Kenyans.
