Kenyans Abroad Rally Against 'Unjust' Taxation by KRA

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is facing intense scrutiny following allegations of mistreatment, excessive taxation, and bias.

A group of over 1,200 Kenyans living abroad, known as the Strategists on Kenyan Matters Impacting Diaspora Committee, have expressed their concerns regarding the distressing experiences they encounter upon returning to the country. These experiences encompass exorbitant taxes, bothersome behaviour, and intrusion of privacy by KRA officials while whites receive favoured treatment. Mr Mwaura Mwembu, the committee's chairperson, emphasizes the inhospitable reception and the needless examination and protracted interrogation that diaspora Kenyans frequently undergo.

The diaspora Kenyans have also voiced their frustration with the exorbitant levies imposed on goods brought into the country and the unfair and opaque tax procedures that hinder their ability to invest in their homeland and support local businesses. In addition, the committee has raised concerns about the perceived unfair treatment of diaspora travellers compared to white tourists. Mr Mwembu expresses worry about the frequent intrusive searches carried out to discover taxable goods. The group emphasized their readiness to pay rightful taxes but strongly objected to being taxed twice.

They stress the significance of averting a decline in diaspora remittances and advocate for constructive dialogues with the appropriate officials. They implore Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to swiftly intervene. The group also appeals to President William Ruto's government, highlighting the long-standing goodwill shown by Kenya's diaspora, despite feeling marginalized and unappreciated.

The diaspora's annual economic contribution of more than Sh653.95 billion is crucial to the country's economic growth. This comes after the government faced criticism for its insufficient diaspora policy, prompting them to take action. The Central Bank of Kenya reveals that the diaspora brings in more foreign exchange for Kenya than key exports such as tea, coffee, and horticulture.