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Monday, 15 June 2026
Kenya’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 15 June 2026
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Kenyan press · Organization

Kenya Revenue Authority

Also known as: KRA

Kenya Revenue Authority — tax and customs authority managing income tax collection, VAT administration, and customs operations across Kenya.

2026-04-242026-06-15
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In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. June 2026

  2. The Standard

    … Between July and March, Kenya Revenue Authority collected Sh84 billion less than planned, taking in Sh2.038 trillion against a target of Sh2.122 trillion – a performance rate of 96.1 per cent. …

    Ruto's broken promise as record Sh1 trillion local debt looms

  3. The Standard

    The High Court in Mombasa has ordered Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to pay Sh3 million to a manager unfairly terminated for auctioning a Volkswagen Passat in 2007 without Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) certificate. …

    KRA to pay ex-manager Sh3m for unfair dismissal over vehicle auction

  4. Citizen Digital

    … The proposal, contained in the 2026/2027 budget policy highlights, seeks to give the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) more time to verify and validate tax returns before the start of a new financial year. …

    Treasury CS Mbadi proposes new filing deadline for nil return taxpayers

  5. Citizen Digital

    … Ksh.26.50 billion in unremitted Pay As You Earn taxes, deducted from employees but not paid to the Kenya Revenue Authority. …

    Chronic spenders: How gov’t is living beyond its means as Kenyans tighten belts

  6. Capital News

    … At the same time, the Department is resisting proposals to transfer mineral royalty collection to the Kenya Revenue Authority, warning that such a move could disrupt regulatory oversight. …

    Mining PS moves to Shield Oversight Roles in Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill

  7. Capital News

    … The coalition additionally raised concerns over plans to grant the Kenya Revenue Authority expanded access to taxpayer information, warning that the move could expose citizens to intrusive monitoring and excessive taxation. …

    Opposition Unveils ‘People’s Budget’, Accuses Ruto Govt of Economic Mismanagement

  8. The Standard

    … Yet formal sector workers shoulder the heaviest burden of tax collection apparatus, contributing the lion's share of the Sh2.2 trillion that the Kenya Revenue Authority targets annually. …

    Reducing tax burden on formal workers won't hurt State revenues

  9. The Standard

    … Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, presenting the 2026-27 budget statement to the National Assembly on Thursday, June 11, said the uniform June 30 deadline for all taxpayers left the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) with no room to verify and validate filed returns before a new …

    Why Mbadi wants you to file nil tax returns five months earlier under new rules

  10. The Standard

    … A coordinated whole-of-government approach is imperative,” he said.The proposed framework would bring together the National Police Service, Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards, National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), Anti-Counte …

    Rift Valley leads in illicit alcohol seizures

  11. The Standard

    Before March 2017, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) ensured that transit cargo trucks were escorted by patrol vehicles to their final destinations. …

    Real-time electronic tracking system cuts cargo theft, dumping
Politics

Ruto's 2022 debt promise contradicted by record local borrowing plan

The News

President William Ruto, who promised in 2022 that the government should not borrow to finance recurrent expenditure and pledged a 10 per cent borrowing limit, now faces a 2026-27 budget with a record Sh1.03 trillion in planned local borrowing from commercial banks, pension funds, and insurance companies to cover a Sh1.146 trillion deficit.

Why it matters

President's 2022 pledge against borrowing for recurrent spending contradicted by record Sh1.03 trillion local borrowing plan in new budget.

13 June 2026 · The Standard →

Saturday 13 June

  1. Ruto's 2022 debt promise contradicted by record local borrowing plan

    President William Ruto, who promised in 2022 that the government should not borrow to finance recurrent expenditure and pledged a 10 per cent borrowing limit, now faces a 2026-27 budget with a record Sh1.03 trillion in planned local borrowing from commercial banks, pension funds, and insurance companies to cover a Sh1.146 trillion deficit.

    13 June 2026 · The Standard →

Friday 12 June

  1. High Court orders KRA to pay Sh3m in unfair dismissal case

    The High Court in Mombasa has ordered the Kenya Revenue Authority to pay Sh3 million to manager Collins Bosire, whom Justice Kibera Ocharo found was unfairly terminated for auctioning a Volkswagen Passat in 2007 without a Kenya Bureau of Standards certificate.

    12 June 2026 · The Standard →

Thursday 11 June

  1. Treasury CS proposes one-month filing deadline for nil-return taxpayers

    Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has proposed new filing deadlines requiring taxpayers with nil returns to submit annual declarations one month after the end of the tax year, as part of sweeping changes to Kenya's tax administration system. The proposal aims to give the Kenya Revenue Authority more time to verify and validate tax returns before the start of a new financial year.

    11 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Government spending exceeded budget in key central offices, COB finds

    Kenya's Controller of Budget reports the national government spent far beyond Parliament's approval in key central offices during the nine months to March 2026, while accumulating Ksh.465.87 billion in unpaid bills despite discretionary spending on items including AFCON football subscriptions and hospitality at the Deputy President's office.

    11 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  3. Mining Department proposes Mineral Development Levy in wealth fund bill

    Kenya's State Department for Mining is proposing amendments to the Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill that include a one percent Mineral Development Levy on gross mineral sales to finance geological research and exploration. The Department is resisting proposals to transfer mineral royalty collection to the Kenya Revenue Authority, citing concerns about disrupting regulatory oversight, while lawmakers push for reforms ensuring transparency and equitable sharing of mineral revenues.

    11 June 2026 · Capital News →

  4. Opposition coalition unveils alternative budget, criticises Ruto's economic policies

    Kenya's United Alternative Government coalition, led by Wiper's Kalonzo Musyoka, unveiled a "People's Budget" alternative plan and accused the Ruto administration of economic mismanagement, citing a projected budget deficit of more than Sh1 trillion and policies deepening the country's debt crisis.

    11 June 2026 · Capital News →

  5. Formal sector workers bear heaviest tax burden in Kenya

    An opinion piece argues that 3.5 million formal sector workers, representing 16.2 per cent of Kenya's workforce, shoulder the lion's share of tax collection despite the remaining 83.8 per cent working in the informal economy largely outside the tax net, and contends that reducing their tax burden would not harm state revenues.

    11 June 2026 · The Standard →

  6. Nil tax returns deadline moved to January 31 from June 30

    Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi announced that Kenyans declaring zero income must file tax returns by January 31 from next year, five months earlier than the current June 30 deadline, to allow the Kenya Revenue Authority time to verify and validate returns before a new financial year begins.

    11 June 2026 · The Standard →

  7. Rift Valley leads Kenya in illicit alcohol seizures

    Between January 2024 and May 2026, security agencies confiscated 493,073 litres of illicit alcohol in Kenya's Rift Valley region, the highest volume in the country, according to data presented to Parliament by the Deputy Inspector General of Police. Arrests related to illicit alcohol offences in the region fell from 16,040 in 2024 to 532 in the first five months of 2026, which police attributed to progress in efforts to curb the trade.

    11 June 2026 · The Standard →

  8. Real-time tracking system reduces cargo theft and dumping

    Kenya's Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS) now tracks cargo trucks in real time from Mombasa Port to their final destinations, replacing the previous escort system used before March 2017.

    11 June 2026 · The Standard →

Wednesday 10 June

  1. Opposition launches 'People's Budget' alternative to Ruto plan

    The opposition coalition, operating under the United Alternative Government banner, has unveiled an alternative "People's Budget" that prioritises education, healthcare, job creation and lowering the cost of living while reducing the fiscal deficit. The opposition attacked President Ruto's proposed 4.8 trillion shilling budget as the largest spending plan in Kenya's history, built on unsustainable borrowing and misplaced priorities.

    10 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Finance Bill 2026 grants KRA broad tax avoidance powers

    The Finance Bill 2026 seeks to empower the KRA commissioner to reclassify commercial deals as tax avoidance, seize bank accounts during appeals, and access private payment data without court approval. The proposal has drawn opposition from the Kenya Bankers Association, the Law Society of Kenya, Ernst & Young, Deloitte, PwC, and KPMG, who argue it dismantles taxpayer safeguards and forces taxpayers to pay disputed taxes before seeking justice.

    10 June 2026 · The Standard →

  3. Parliament investigates safety of 27,000 tonnes imported raw sugar

    Parliament's Trade Committee is investigating the importation and movement of 27,000 metric tonnes of raw sugar linked to Kibos Sugar Refinery, citing concerns over documentation gaps, handling standards, and whether the consignment poses risks to consumers. The Committee Chairperson noted that the sugar's origin and age cannot be independently verified and it may already be expired even for processing.

    10 June 2026 · The Standard →

Tuesday 9 June

  1. Kenya could build football system with 47 county teams

    An opinion piece argues that Kenya's football failure, unlike its athletics success, stems from lack of systematic development rather than talent scarcity. The author proposes a Kenya Premier League where each of the 47 counties fields a team to build the sport's foundation.

    9 June 2026 · The Standard →

  2. Youths urged to combat misinformation ahead of elections

    Youth in Kakamega County have been urged to champion responsible information sharing and peaceful coexistence ahead of next year's General Elections, as officials warn that misinformation and disinformation spread via social media could fuel conflicts and ethnic tension.

    9 June 2026 · The Standard →

Saturday 6 June

  1. MPs order audit of Lake Turkana wind farm tax penalty

    Parliament has directed the National Treasury to audit Lake Turkana Wind Power over a contested Sh19 billion tax bill linked to a government penalty for late delivery of a transmission line. The company claims the penalty is tax-exempt, while the Kenya Revenue Authority argues it constitutes taxable income.

    6 June 2026 · The Standard →

Friday 5 June

  1. Treasury CS Mbadi clarifies staggered tax filing deadlines proposal

    Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has clarified that the Finance Bill 2026 proposes to space out tax return filing deadlines for different categories of taxpayers—nil filers, salaried employees, and business taxpayers—to reduce last-minute congestion and technical challenges in the filing system.

    5 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Macadamia sector faces quality decline amid policy uncertainty

    Kenya's macadamia industry confronts its most difficult period in years, with stakeholders warning that problems extend beyond export-ban debates to include declining quality, poor farm management, pest infestations, and weak global markets. Industry players argue that policy shifts focused on export restrictions miss the underlying crisis of deteriorating nut quality and reduced profitability.

    5 June 2026 · The Standard →

  3. KRA forgoes Sh9.1 billion in tax revenue from fuel price relief

    The Kenya Revenue Authority has forgone Sh9.1 billion in tax revenue between April and May 2026 following a reduction of Value Added Tax on fuel from 16 per cent to eight per cent to cushion consumers from rising global fuel prices.

    5 June 2026 · The Standard →

  4. KRA says petroleum supply oversight limited to customs, tax roles

    Kenya Revenue Authority told the Senate its role in the petroleum supply chain is limited to customs clearance, tax assessment, levy collection, transit control, and trade facilitation, with procurement and importation remaining the sole mandate of the petroleum ministry.

    5 June 2026 · The Standard →

Thursday 4 June

  1. KRA defends 5 billion shilling fuel refund as Senate seeks clarity

    The Kenya Revenue Authority has defended a Ksh.5 billion tax refund to oil marketers for a fuel cargo that was redirected to regional markets rather than consumed in Kenya. The authority also disclosed that the VAT reduction on fuel has cost the government Ksh.9.1 billion in foregone revenue.

    4 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. KRA forgoes Ksh.9.1 billion after fuel VAT cut to 8%

    Kenya Revenue Authority has lost Ksh.9.1 billion in tax revenue between April and May 2026 following a reduction of Value Added Tax on fuel from 16% to 8%, a relief measure introduced to cushion consumers and businesses from rising global fuel prices.

    4 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  3. Rongai MP aspirant demands Ksh.50 million over defamatory remarks

    Rongai parliamentary aspirant Mercy Chebet Chelel has demanded a public apology and Ksh.50 million in damages from rival politician Tonny Kipkurui Wendot over alleged derogatory remarks made at a public fundraising event in Nakuru County on May 24, 2026. The remarks, allegedly made in the Kalenjin dialect, were interpreted as discriminatory statements related to female genital mutilation and her fitness to contest for the parliamentary seat.

    4 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  4. SHA appoints Winfred Nthiani as Assistant Director of Corporate Communication

    The Social Health Authority has appointed Winfred Nduku Nthiani as Assistant Director for Corporate Communication following a competitive recruitment process that attracted 100 applicants and narrowed to seven shortlisted candidates interviewed on Wednesday.

    4 June 2026 · Capital News →

Monday 1 June

  1. Opinion: Ruto must match Singapore ambition with discipline and leadership

    An editorial argues that President Ruto's stated goal to make Kenya the next Singapore is achievable, but requires steely leadership, a war on graft, and strong institutions—not speeches. It credits Lee Kuan Yew and late President Kibaki as examples of leaders who delivered through fiscal discipline and accountability.

    1 June 2026 · The Standard →

Saturday 30 May

  1. Mitumba traders seek 5% import tax in Finance Bill

    Mitumba traders have proposed a simplified 5 percent final tax at importation to replace the current system (16% VAT, 60% Corporation Tax, and 30% trader tax), arguing it will ease compliance and maintain affordability of second-hand clothes. The proposal comes as the National Treasury currently proposes exempting Mitumba under the Finance Bill.

    30 May 2026 · Capital News →

Friday 29 May

  1. Finance Bill 2026 seeks Sh120 billion amid cost-of-living strain

    Kenya's Finance Bill 2026 aims to raise about Sh120 billion in additional revenue through changes to digital transactions, mobile phones, excise duties, and VAT treatment, but faces criticism from economists and business groups who argue the measures prioritize revenue generation over household relief amid persistent cost-of-living pressures and weak consumer demand.

    29 May 2026 · Capital News →

Monday 25 May

  1. Businesses welcome tax amnesty, urge extended deadline and refund reform

    Stakeholders before Parliament's Finance Committee have broadly welcomed the government's proposed tax amnesty program for liabilities accrued to December 31, 2025, but urged lawmakers to extend the amnesty window to June 30, 2027, and address restrictive clauses on overpaid tax refunds to prevent a liquidity crisis.

    25 May 2026 · Capital News →

  2. Crypto and payments industry opposes Finance Bill 2026 tax proposals

    Kenya's Finance Bill 2026 proposes a 16% VAT on payment service provider services, a 25% excise duty on mobile phones, and a withholding tax on card payments. The digital payments and cryptocurrency sectors are calling on the government to grant tax exemptions, warning that the levies could hinder industry growth and financial inclusion.

    25 May 2026 · The Standard →

Sunday 24 May

  1. KCA University, IIA Kenya host Internal Audit Month forum

    KCA University and the Institute of Internal Auditors Kenya hosted Internal Audit Month 2026, bringing together state regulators, corporate consultants, and academic leaders to discuss governance gaps and the future of risk assurance in public and private sectors. The event, themed "Re-imagining Internal Audit: Insight. Influence. Impact," featured speakers emphasizing the role of internal auditing in institutional integrity and accountability.

    24 May 2026 · Capital News →

Kenya Revenue Authority — Kenyan press coverage · Kenya Minute