The International Center for Tax and Development conference began on Monday in Nairobi, focusing on tax.

The conference is co-hosted by the International Center for Tax and Development and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) in conjunction with the University of Nairobi.

Speaking during the opening assembly of the conference, Treasury and Economic Planning Permanent Secretary(PS) James Muhati said Kenya had made great strides on the international tax front.

However, the PS singled out abuse of tax treaties signed with partners.

“Taxation of digital economy remains relatively new and challenging. Developing countries also have insufficient expertise in tax.”

On his part, Nairobi University Dean of Fiscal Studies Collins Odote underscored that taxation remains a great challenge in the country.

“Taxation affects every aspect of the world. The tax is having a great impact on the lives of Kenyans. Our tax is at cross roads, “said Professor Odote.

The global conference has brought together global tax researchers, policymakers, and academics from different institutions.


The conference comes when a raging debate exists on the proposed three per cent housing fund levy under the Finance Bill 2023.

The Finance Bill 2023 was On April 28, 2023, tabled in Parliament for the first reading on May 4, 2023.

It proposes a raft of changes and amendments to the various tax statutes in Kenya and other laws, such as the Stamp Duty Act, the Insurance Act, the Capital Markets Act, and the Unclaimed Financial Assets Act.

The Statutory Instruments Act, the Betting, Lotteries, and Gaming Act, the Evidence Act, the Kenya Roads Board Act, the Road Maintenance Levy Fund Act, and the Retirement Benefits Act.