John Mbadi Says Abolishing Penalties, Interest Will Encourage Kenyans To Pay Taxes

• National Treasury Cabinet Secretary (CS) John Mbadi promised to make tax payments humane, noting that this will improve compliance
• Following the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024, Mbadi said he was against the idea of increasing taxes as this would burden Kenyans
• Mbadi revealed he talked with President William Ruto about his economic agenda, which excludes changing tax rates

TUKO.co.ke journalist Japhet Ruto has over eight years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting and offers profound insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.

National Treasury Cabinet Secretary (CS) John Mbadi has vowed to improve Kenya's tax policy to encourage taxpayers to fulfil their patriotic duty.

How John Mbadi plans to enhance revenue collection

Mbadi said abolishing penalties and interests will encourage Kenyans to pay their fair share of taxes regardless of social status.

Speaking on Citizen TV on Thursday, August 22, the CS promised to make tax payments humane, noting that this will improve compliance.

"One of the objectives of our tax policy is to make tax payment humane and have taxpayers comply by giving them an opportunity to pay the principal tax and not penalties and interests," Mbadi explained.

Will Mbadi change Kenya's tax rates?

Following the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024, Mbadi said he was against the idea of increasing taxes.

The CS explained that he would not burden Kenyans with additional levies, insisting that he had talked with President William Ruto about his agenda.

"We need to enhance revenue collection without changing the tax rates. I am not a conman, I did not come to the Treasury to continue with business as usual. I have told the president that he must understand that I have come here to do things differently. We are not going to oppress Kenyans with unnecessary taxes just because we have been told to do so," Mbadi expounded.

What did John Mbadi discuss with KRA?

On Tuesday, August 20, Mbadi said the government was committed to boosting revenue collection and ensuring efficient financial management to drive Kenya's economic growth.

He highlighted some measures he will take to fund the cash-strapped exchequer.

The former nominated lawmaker explained that the defunct Finance Bill 2024 contained provisions that could help the country out of its current situation.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke