Today marked a significant step in advancing the business environment for Kenyan enterprises as a KNCCI team led by Policy, Research and Advocacy – Head of Department, Mr. Stephen Osedo paid a courtesy call to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) head office.
The purpose of the engagement was to present and discuss the key findings of the recently launched KNCCI Annual Business Barometer 2026 with a specific focus on Taxation being one of the most pressing concerns for businesses across Kenya.
The session was officially opened with welcome remarks by Ms. Jane Nyokabi on behalf of KRA, setting a collaborative and constructive tone for the discussions.

KEY FINDINGS PRESENTED FROM THE BAROMETER:
Taxation remains the top challenge*for businesses at 46%
Concerns around the process of tax compliancewere highlighted
VAT, Income Tax & Turnover Tax which is causing confusion among MSMEs

Threshold uncertainty remains a pain point — particularly around the 5M–25M bracket for Turnover Tax and Minimum Tax
Limited KRA education outreach, and low readinesson validation of income & expenses were flagged

WAY FORWARD — AGREED ACTION POINTS

County Engagement: KNCCI to strengthen engagement with County Representatives to cascade tax education and compliance support to grassroots businesses
Micro & Small Taxpayer Collaboration: Joint efforts to improve how KRA and KNCCI collaborate to reach micro and small taxpayers effectively
eTIMS & Citizen Relations: Focused work on improving the eTIMS experience and strengthening citizen-taxpayer relations
Physical Interactions: Increase face-to-face engagements and outreach beyond digital platforms
Simplification Drive: Leverage platforms such as WhatsApp- Shuru, and multilingual communication to simplify tax messaging for all business segments

Deeper Sensitization: Roll out more robust education and sensitization programs targeting MSMEs on tax processes and obligations
Budget Proposals: KNCCI to actively participate in the budget process and submit simplification-focused proposals to KRA and relevant government bodies.
The meeting was highly productive and both parties expressed strong commitment to working together toward a simpler, fairer and more inclusive tax environment*for all Kenyan businesses.
With 73% customer satisfaction as a benchmark, the goal remains to ensure that every taxpayer, big or small is well-supported on their compliance journey.

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The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) have reaffirmed their shared commitment to making tax compliance simpler, more transparent, and accessible for all categories of businesses through the KRA Simplified Solutions engagement held at the Weston Hotel, Nairobi.

Speaking during the event, Mr. Vishal Khagram, KNCCI National Director, applauded KRA’s ongoing reforms that aim to enhance taxpayer experience and promote voluntary compliance. He noted that a fair and efficient tax system is essential to building investor confidence, sustaining infrastructure, and fostering a thriving economic environment.

“At KNCCI, we believe that tax compliance is more than a legal obligation—it is the foundation for sustainable economic growth,” said Mr. Khagram. “However, we also recognize the challenges many MSMEs face in navigating tax systems. That is why engagements like this are crucial in helping businesses understand, adapt, and comply with confidence.”

He commended KRA for introducing Simplified Solutions, a technology-driven initiative that aligns with the Chamber’s goal of easing the cost of doing business and promoting formalization. Mr. Khagram further encouraged KRA to continue conducting similar sensitization forums across the country in collaboration with KNCCI’s county chapters to reach more entrepreneurs at the grassroots level.

“By working together, we can ensure that more businesses benefit from accurate information, digital literacy, and direct interaction with KRA officers,” he added. “This strengthens a culture of voluntary compliance and supports the growth of a more formal, resilient business sector.”

In her remarks, Ms. Patience Njau, Deputy Commissioner, Taxpayer Experience at KRA, commended KNCCI for being an instrumental private-sector partner in advancing taxpayer education and engagement.

“KNCCI has played a vital role in bringing on board businesses and creating the link for KRA both at the national and county levels,” Ms. Njau said. “Our collaboration continues to enhance understanding between the tax authority and entrepreneurs, ensuring that no business is left behind as we simplify processes and embrace .”

The session brought together KRA officials and KNCCI members to deliberate on how simplified tax solutions can reduce administrative burdens, increase compliance, and improve the ease of doing business across Kenya.

KNCCI reiterated its commitment to serving as the bridge between government and the private sector by facilitating constructive dialogue, supporting policy implementation, and advocating for a predictable, transparent tax environment that fosters business growth and competitiveness.

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This training is particularly important as KNCCI is the issuing authority , and a growing number of our members are actively engaging in export business. Understanding the process and requirements will enhance our capacity to support them effectively.
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The meeting, held on the afternoon of Wednesday, June 18, 2025, brought together key stakeholders to discuss Kenya’s governance landscape and investment climate, with a specific focus on tax policy and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). The session was chaired by Mr. Wycliffe Kibisu, Chairman of the KNCCI Tax Policy and Regulatory Committee.

Key Areas of Discussion

The dialogue centered on three major themes:

• Stakeholder Engagement in Tax Policy Development
• Perceived Vulnerabilities to Corruption within KRA
• Opportunities for Reform and the Private Sector’s Role in Shaping Effective Tax Policy

The IMF team sought perspectives from the private sector on current systemic challenges and areas of potential improvement in Kenya’s tax environment. KNCCI provided detailed insights and actionable recommendations based on ongoing engagement with businesses across the country.

KNCCI Recommendations

KNCCI submitted a set of proposals to help strengthen Kenya’s tax governance structure and increase trust in the system:

• Data-Driven Policy Formulation: The Chamber called for a more inclusive and evidence-based approach to tax policy, anchored on a collaborative national tax dialogue platform. This would feature quarterly consultative meetings bringing together KNCCI, KRA, the National Treasury, and the IMF to foster ongoing dialogue and mutual accountability.

• Anti-Corruption Measures at KRA:
  To address concerns around integrity and efficiency, KNCCI proposed:

  • The introduction of real-time audit tracking tools

  • The publication of refund timelines to enhance transparency

  • The establishment of an independent Tax Ombudsman, with KNCCI playing a key supportive role

• Support for MSMEs:
  Emphasizing the importance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the economy, KNCCI recommended:

  • The piloting of dynamic tax models using real-time business data

  • The rollout of tax education campaigns and training programs to improve compliance and build the capacity of small businesses

Forward Outlook

KNCCI reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a transparent, fair, and predictable tax environment that supports investment and enterprise growth. The Chamber expressed appreciation for the IMF’s engagement and pledged continued support in shaping reforms that advance Kenya’s economic governance and competitiveness.

The IMF’s ongoing Governance Diagnostic Assessment is expected to inform future policy reforms aimed at strengthening accountability, enhancing service delivery, and improving investor confidence in Kenya.

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Chamber President in his speech discussed the need for one single license among counties as this has become a barrier to trade within the country. He also informed the Nyanza region of newly presented budget proposals before parliament which he said will lead to more jobs, more taxes for the government and more employment for the youth.

Dr Rutto also highlighted the chambers advocacy role to push for licenses for the artisanal miners with mining a major economic activity in the region with a foresight to bring investment to build a gold refinery. Further, he has assured the members from the Nyanza region that the chamber is working with financial institutions to ensure access to finance for small and medium enterprises through guarantees.

PS Charles Hinga in his presentation focused on how the affordable housing scheme has brought in opportunities for SMEs with the juakali sector now among the biggest suppliers of materials such as doors, windows and expertise earning them billions. He said the formalization of the informal sector has led to more people joining the tax base ultimately leading to more revenues for the revenue authority.

The Homa Bay Business Connect Dinner is a build-up to the national Madaraka Day celebrations being held in Homa Bay on 1st June 2025 and is a KNCCI Homa Bay chapter event in partnership with the County Government of Homa Bay and other development stakeholders. This Dinner sought to leverage national attention around Madaraka Day to foster meaningful dialogue and strategic action that empowers local enterprises, facilitates trade, and builds lasting public-private-development sector partnerships.

Among partners who graced the dinner include, Homa Bay County Government, KRA, Homa Bay water and sanitation company, Migori County, Absa Bank, State Department for Housing and Urban, Affordable Housing Board among others.

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Last week The  CEO Ms. Angela Ndambuki , Mr. Onesmus Masinde , Trade Research & policy Manager and Ms. Jacqueline Sigu, County & SME Programs officer had a meeting with KRA officials to jointly host KRA regional tax round tables tables in Mombasa, Kisumu,Machakos ,Nyeri,Eldoret and Nakuru from 5th March to 26th March.KRA appreciates the catalytic role played by KNCCI in facilitating growth of the Kenyan economy through entrepreneurial development in enabling a conductive environment for business geared to result in creation of wealth and employment.

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