Kenya Set To Introduce Tax On Selfies, Hawking And Street Evangelism Among Other Activities And Events

In a move to improve revenues to finance the KSh8.9 billion budget, Kenyan government is now set to impose tax on street preaching, taking phone photos commonly known as selfie and hawking of food on the streets.

With the new tax laws being proposed by different counties in Kenya, Ugbliz reported that street preachers in Siaya County will pay KSh20,000 ($198) upfront per day to use lawns maintained by the county government if the Finance Bill 2018 is approved.

According to the local media outlet, a region popular for its local musicians fond of performing with live bands, an entertainment permit of KSh1,000 per night will be required. Kenya’s Finance Executive Mary Kimanzi also stated that local operators of film/video shows, will pay KSh1,500 per day.

Also to be billed per hour are organisers of charitable events with flagging-off ceremonies charged Sh4,000 per hour. Exhuming a body will cost Sh50,000 for an adult, Sh30,000 for a child, and an infant Sh20,000). A Sh100 fee is proposed for those taking selfie using a mobile phones.

In Makueni county, owners of casinos will be required to pay KSh30,000 ($297) a month as the county government looks to improve revenues to finance the KSh8.9 billion budget. A KSh100 fee is proposed for those taking photographs using their mobile phones.

In Nairobi, supermarkets and shopping malls will surrender a share of proceeds from private car parks and sale of packaging bags to shoppers. Private car parks which have become a common business for open spaces within the city, are also targeted.

Confirming the new tax move, Acting Finance Executive Charles Kerich said;

“It is unfair that shoppers pay for bags even after spending heftily. I will also be proposing a fee for private parking firms that charge their customers hourly parking rates”

On complaints about heaps of garbage littered everywhere in the county, the county’s council told residents to pay for disposal of waste. It was also gathered that property owners will also be slapped with higher land rates, with a valuation of properties expected soon.