Kenya Minute.
Monday, 14 September 2026
Kenya’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 14 September 2026
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Kenyan press · Organization

Kenya Revenue Authority

Also known as: KRA

Kenya's tax authority that administers income tax, excise duties, and customs valuations, recently facing criticism over cargo benchmark increases and defending enhanced tax compliance enforcement.

2026-04-242026-09-14

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. July 2026
  2. Citizen Digital

    Photo: KRA Audio By Vocalize The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), in collaboration with a multi-agency enforcement team, destroyed on Wednesday contraband goods valued at Ksh.

    KRA destroys contraband goods worth Ksh.218 million amid crackdown on illegal trade
  3. Citizen Digital

    Invest Kenya also reaffirmed its role in facilitating and safeguarding investments by working with government agencies such as the Kenya Revenue Authority, Customs and relevant sector ministries to create a more conducive business environment.

    Invest Kenya, Jumia partner to boost e-Commerce and attract investment
  4. The Standard

    Audio By Vocalize The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), in collaboration with multi-agency enforcement team, has destroyed contraband goods worth Sh218 million that were seized during coordinated crackdowns in Nairobi and the Coast region.

    KRA destroys illicit goods worth Sh218 million in nationwide crackdown
  5. The Standard

    Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) data shows that between July 2024 and December 2025, a total of 9,660 Simplified Certificates of Origin (SCOs) were issued to Kenyan traders exporting goods to Tanzania.

    East Africa unlocks opportunities for small-scale traders at Taveta border
  6. The Standard

    Audio By VocalizeKRA staffers assist clients in filing returns at its Nyeri office. [File, Standard] The Kenya Revenue Authority’s online tax filing portal experienced a system breakdown in the final hours before the June 30 deadline, locking out hundreds of taxpayers who were un

    KRA iTax glitch locks out hundreds as deadline passes, taxman rules out extension
  7. June 2026
  8. The Standard

    The exercise carried out at the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI) Kibos, brought together enforcement agencies including the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada), and the Anti-Coun

    Sh95m illicit goods destroyed in Kisumu
  9. The Standard

    Audio By VocalizeThe Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has ruled out any extension of the June 30 deadline for filing 2025 income tax returns, warning that taxpayers who fail to comply by midnight on Tuesday will face penalties and possible default assessments.

    KRA rules out extension of June 30 deadline to file tax returns
Opinion

Kenyan businesses struggle with unpredictable annual tax changes

The News

An opinion piece argues that Kenya's fiscal environment is characterized by chaotic annual tax cycles, with budget promises made in February undermined by Finance Bills in June and sudden policy changes like the KRA's customs benchmark shift in August, creating unsustainable uncertainty for businesses.

11 September 2026 · The Standard

Friday 11 September

  1. Kenyan businesses struggle with unpredictable annual tax changes

    An opinion piece argues that Kenya's fiscal environment is characterized by chaotic annual tax cycles, with budget promises made in February undermined by Finance Bills in June and sudden policy changes like the KRA's customs benchmark shift in August, creating unsustainable uncertainty for businesses.

    11 September 2026 · The Standard

  2. Death in Naivasha revives fears over fake branded alcohol in Kenya

    A young man's death in Naivasha following a drinking competition has prompted calls for investigation into the safety of bottled spirits sold in Kenya, with Kenyans reporting unusual hangovers, stomach pain, vomiting and confusion after consuming alcohol they suspect is counterfeit or adulterated.

    11 September 2026 · The Standard

Thursday 10 September

  1. Court certifies urgent case on infrastructure fund CEO appointment

    The Employment and Labour Relations Court has certified as urgent a case challenging James Mworia's appointment as first CEO of the National Infrastructure Fund. Petitioners allege a conflict of interest because Mworia was a sitting board member of the six-member Board that selected him for the position.

    10 September 2026 · Capital News

Wednesday 9 September

  1. Ruto's public statements create confusion, requiring damage control

    President William Ruto's recent public remarks, including a directive that triggered anxiety among Burundian nationals and statements on tax thresholds for traders, have sparked confusion and forced government officials into damage-control mode.

    9 September 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. KRA moves individual income tax filing deadline to April 30

    The Kenya Revenue Authority has moved the deadline for filing Individual Income Tax Returns from June 30 to April 30, effective January 1, 2027, under the Finance Act 2026. The change is intended to improve tax administration efficiency and reduce last-minute system congestion.

    9 September 2026 · Citizen Digital

  3. KRA defends newly imposed cargo clearance requirements

    Kenya Revenue Authority has defended newly imposed cargo clearance requirements, stating it is implementing what is already established in law.

    9 September 2026 · The Standard

Monday 7 September

  1. KRA employee freed on bail over fake degree fraud charges

    A Kenya Revenue Authority employee has been charged with using a forged Jomo Kenyatta University degree to secure employment and fraudulently acquire Sh13,947,114.59 in public property between August 2013 and March 2024. He was released on a Sh5 million bond pending trial.

    7 September 2026 · The Standard

  2. KRA defends cargo clearance requirements against sector concerns

    The Kenya Revenue Authority has defended its cargo clearance requirements, citing legal obligations under the Tax Procedures Act, amid complaints from clearing agents, motor vehicle dealers, and freight associations about burdensome procedures affecting goods movement. KRA says it is committed to balancing tax law enforcement with facilitating legitimate trade.

    7 September 2026 · The Standard

Saturday 5 September

  1. Kenya imposes 5% withholding tax on YouTube creator earnings from September

    From September 2026, Google will automatically deduct a mandatory five per cent local withholding tax from YouTube earnings of Kenyan digital content producers, with Google providing monthly reports to the Kenya Revenue Authority. The KRA measure aims to tighten tax compliance in the creator economy, though content creators already face narrow margins after production costs, platform splits of about 45 per cent, and US withholding taxes.

    5 September 2026 · The Standard

Friday 4 September

  1. Edible oil firms sue KRA, Treasury over Sh2.3 billion tax refund

    Three local edible oil companies—Golden Africa Kenya Ltd, Pwani Oil Products Ltd and Kapa Oil Refineries Ltd—have sued the Kenya Revenue Authority, the National Treasury Cabinet Secretary and the Attorney General, claiming the KRA has refused to refund more than Sh2.3 billion in excess taxes paid before a High Court outlawed a 10 per cent import tax increase on palm oil.

    4 September 2026 · The Standard

  2. Treasury CS sued over Sh21 billion rice import duty waiver

    Human rights activists have petitioned the courts, alleging that Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi lacks constitutional authority to waive import duty on 490,000 metric tonnes of rice worth Sh21 billion through gazette notices, arguing that tax waiver powers are reserved to legislators under Article 210(1) of the Constitution.

    4 September 2026 · The Standard

Thursday 3 September

  1. NACADA seizes 4,000+ counterfeit alcohols in Kayole raid

    The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) seized over 4,000 counterfeit alcoholic products and more than 250 cartons of assorted counterfeit alcoholic drinks during a multi-agency crackdown in Kayole, Nairobi on Wednesday. Two suspects were arrested and the operation, involving KRA, KEBS, NGAO, NPS and NGAPU, is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle illegal alcohol supply networks.

    3 September 2026 · Capital News

Wednesday 2 September

  1. KRA reduces consolidated cargo clearance charge to 2 million shillings

    The Kenya Revenue Authority will reduce the clearance benchmark for general consolidated cargo from Ksh.2.5 million to Ksh.2 million following President William Ruto's intervention in a dispute with small-scale traders. The government will also remove the Advance Cargo Declaration requirement as part of efforts to streamline cargo clearance.

    2 September 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Ruto orders review of cargo clearance charges for traders

    President William Ruto has ordered a review of the Ksh.3.2 million customs clearance charge for consolidated cargo following protests by small-scale traders. He proposed that containers carrying ordinary goods continue to pay Ksh.2 million, while those containing high-value goods undergo further assessment based on item value.

    2 September 2026 · Citizen Digital

  3. KRA blocks state payments to suppliers lacking tax compliance

    The Kenya Revenue Authority has integrated its electronic tax invoicing system (eTIMS) with the government's central payment platform (IFMIS), creating an automated checkpoint that prevents suppliers from receiving state payments without a clean tax record. Suppliers must now generate valid eTIMS invoices matching their tax records before processing payment claims through IFMIS.

    2 September 2026 · The Standard

  4. Ruto orders crackdown on foreign hawkers in Kenya

    President William Ruto has ordered a crackdown on foreign nationals engaged in hawking and small-scale trading, saying the government will protect local traders from unfair competition. Ruto said a Bill before Parliament seeks to restrict foreigners from certain trading activities and that administrative action will begin the following week.

    2 September 2026 · The Standard

  5. Government lowers consolidated cargo benchmark to Sh2 million

    The Government has lowered the benchmark for general consolidated cargo from Sh2.5 million to Sh2 million following consultations with President William Ruto and traders, aimed at easing costs for Kenyan traders and small and medium-sized enterprises. Existing rates for ready-made garments, footwear and fabrics will remain unchanged, and the Advance Cargo Declaration requirement will be removed to streamline clearance.

    2 September 2026 · The Standard

  6. KRA raises customs minimum value for consolidated cargo

    The Kenya Revenue Authority increased the customs minimum benchmark value for consolidated cargo by 28 per cent, raising the valuation benchmark for shared cargo from Sh2.5 million to Sh3.2 million per container. Small-scale traders and activists protested the change, characterizing it as punitive taxation, but the author argues the measure warrants scrutiny beyond outrage.

    2 September 2026 · The Standard

  7. Kenya's public debt hits 13 trillion shillings, strains budget

    Kenya's public debt reached Sh13 trillion in June, with debt servicing consuming about Sh7 of every Sh10 in tax revenue, limiting the government's capacity to provide essential services like healthcare and creating fewer opportunities for Kenyans to earn a living.

    2 September 2026 · The Standard

Tuesday 1 September

  1. NACADA arrests 11, seizes counterfeit alcohol in Nairobi

    The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse arrested 11 people and confiscated counterfeit alcoholic beverages in a multi-agency crackdown across eight Nairobi sub-counties between August 20 and 31, 2026, in response to public concerns about unsafe products circulating in the market.

    1 September 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Nairobi traders protest KRA tax increase on container imports

    Hundreds of traders in Nairobi demonstrated against Kenya Revenue Authority's decision to raise the minimum tax yield for a 40-foot container of consolidated general cargo from Sh2.5 million to Sh3.2 million, citing concerns that the increase could harm their businesses. The KRA cited changes in exchange rates, freight costs, and tax laws for the revision, but traders argue they cannot afford the higher taxes during difficult business conditions.

    1 September 2026 · The Standard

  3. Nacada arrests 11 in Nairobi counterfeit alcohol crackdown

    Kenya's National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) arrested 11 people during a ten-day operation against counterfeit alcohol in Nairobi County, covering eight sub-counties and confiscating illicit beverages, counterfeit KRA excise stamps, and expired products. The authority is collaborating with KRA, KEBS, and the National Police Service to verify seized items and pursue those involved in manufacturing, distributing, and selling counterfeit beverages.

    1 September 2026 · The Standard

Monday 31 August

  1. NACADA seizes 240 counterfeit alcoholic beverages in Mukuru Kwa Njenga

    NACADA and a multi-agency team raided an outlet in Mukuru Kwa Njenga and seized 240 counterfeit assorted alcoholic beverages bearing fake KRA stamps, with one suspect arrested. The operation is part of ongoing crackdowns across Nairobi, with similar seizures in Eastleigh, Jericho, and South B in recent days.

    31 August 2026 · Capital News

Sunday 30 August

  1. Suspected robbers trail tourists in Nairobi CBD; journalists intervene

    A video circulating on social media shows suspected robbers in balaclavas closing in on foreign tourists in Nairobi's Central Business District, with journalists escorting the visitors moving them to safety. According to accounts online, the suspects exploited confusion from Friday's protests by traders objecting to new customs valuation rules.

    30 August 2026 · Citizen Digital

Saturday 29 August

  1. Small-scale traders protest KRA's Ksh.3.2M cargo clearance charges

    Small-scale traders are protesting and threatening to halt cargo clearance at the Port of Mombasa after customs clearance charges for consolidated cargo increased from Ksh.2.5 million to Ksh.3.2 million on August 21, demanding the Kenya Revenue Authority review and reduce the charges.

    29 August 2026 · Citizen Digital

Friday 28 August

  1. Traders protest KRA's higher import duty on consolidated cargo

    Hundreds of small-scale traders demonstrated across Nairobi's Central Business District on August 28, 2026, against new customs valuation rules by the Kenya Revenue Authority. The revised benchmark for a 40-foot container of consolidated general cargo increased from Ksh.2.5 million to Ksh.3.2 million, adding Ksh.700,000 per container.

    28 August 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Busia Senator seeks details on KNEC exam materials procurement

    Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has asked the Kenya National Examination Council to provide details on procurement, contracting and printing of 2026 KCSE, KJSEA and KPSEA examination materials, including the tendering method used, bidders, evaluation criteria and successful contractors.

    28 August 2026 · The Standard

  3. Nairobi traders shut down shops protesting KRA tax increases

    Businesses in Nairobi's city centre, Kamukunji, and Eastleigh shut down on Friday as traders protested what they described as punitive tax increases by the Kenya Revenue Authority. Traders marched to present a petition claiming import container costs rose from Sh2.5 million to Sh3.2 million, making importing unaffordable, though anti-riot police dispersed them with tear gas.

    28 August 2026 · The Standard

Thursday 27 August

  1. KRA clarifies Ksh.3.2M minimum yield on consolidated cargo

    The Kenya Revenue Authority has clarified that the revised minimum yield of Ksh.3.2 million on containers carrying general consolidated cargo is a risk-management reference point for simplified clearance, not the actual tax payable by traders. The actual customs value and tax liability continue to be determined based on the nature, value and classification of goods, in accordance with applicable customs valuation and tax laws.

    27 August 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. NACADA arrests three, seizes counterfeit alcohol in Nairobi raid

    Multi-agency teams including NACADA, KRA, KEBS and the National Police Service arrested three suspects and recovered 315 assorted counterfeit alcoholic beverages during a crackdown in Jericho, Makadara Sub-County. Some confiscated products bore Tanzanian excise duty stamps, raising concerns over cross-border counterfeiting.

    27 August 2026 · Capital News

Kenya Revenue Authority — Kenyan press coverage · Kenya Minute