A Public participation forum on Excise Duty (Excisable Goods Management Systems) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 took place on Wednesday 1st February at the KRA Convention Centre, Times Towers .

According to Commissioner General FCPA Githii Mburu, MGH,CBS RA,KRA  understands the significance of these regulations to all stakeholders, it is essential to have open and transparent discussions on the proposed changes.

The forum was graced by CS National Treasury and Economic Planning Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u who in his remarks stated that “as policy advisors, we want to ensure that all stakeholders are comfortable and confident. We want to listen to all of you and offer a conducive environment for business, through this consultative meeting, we look to offer tenable solutions for all teams represented here today.”

The proposed Excise Duty: Excise Goods Management System (Amendment) Regulations, 2023, seeks to increase the rates of excise stamp fees for bottled water, juices, and any other non-alcoholic drinks.

Businesses in Kenya continue to face increasing, unpredictable and non-competitive taxation from the national (taxation laws and fees, levies, and charge

The KNCCI Ag.CEO Mr. Patrick Nyangweso urged the government to consult further with the stakeholders on the proposed increase in excise stamps and to see how best to implement the objective of the stamps, deeper engagements, regular consultations and candid dialogue would take this country’s economy on an upward growth trajectory.

The various stakeholders present ;Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) and Alcoholic Beverages Association of Kenya (ABAK), observed that the government needs to understand that the introduction of such measures is punitive, counterproductive and has acute consequences across the value chains including issues of counterfeits and illicit trade.

Also present during the public participation were; KNCCI Trade Research & Policy Manager Ms. Caroline Kosiom and KNCCI Partnerships Manager Ms. Ruth Wadenya.