Kenya's Finance Bill 2025: Businesses Fear Intrusive Tax Access

Kenya's Finance Bill 2025 Sparks Business Concerns: A live interview on Spice FM with Dr. Erick Rutto, President of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has brought to light serious concerns about the Finance Bill 2025. The Bill includes a provision that would allow the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to access business records without a court order. "What will happen is people will run away," Dr. Rutto warned, highlighting the potential for businesses to shut down to avoid intrusive scrutiny. He further criticized a past government decision to hire 10,000 young people as tax enforcers, describing it as a move in the wrong direction. The concerns raised by Dr. Rutto reflect a broader anxiety among Kenyan businesses about the potential negative impact of the proposed legislation on the investment climate and economic growth. The government is urged to reconsider this provision to foster a more supportive business environment.