President William Ruto on Wednesday, December 11, signed seven bills into law at State House, Nairobi.
The newly enacted laws include the Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 47 of 2024), the Tax Procedures (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 46 of 2024), and the Business Laws (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 49 of 2024).
Others are the Statutory Instruments (Amendment) Bill, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (Amendment) Bill, and the Kenya Roads (Amendment) Bill. Additionally, the Kenya Revenue Authority (Amendment) Bill also received presidential assent.
The Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 47 of 2024) stands out among the new laws. It amends key tax statutes, including the Income Tax Act, Value Added Tax Act, and Excise Duty Act, to improve tax compliance and address fiscal challenges.
The Bill reintroduces beneficial provisions from the withdrawn Finance Bill 2024, such as increasing non-taxable employment benefits, revising VAT classifications, and expanding pension contribution limits. It also aims to repeal certain tax exemptions to avoid double benefits, thereby promoting a fairer tax system and supporting economic growth.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024 introduces changes to the qualifications for the Commission’s chairperson, requiring candidates to be qualified judges. However, this provision has faced criticism for potentially undermining the Commission’s integrity and inclusivity.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Roads (Amendment) Bill, 2024 seeks to enhance collaboration between the Kenya Roads Board and the National Government Constituency Development Fund. It proposes the inclusion of NGCDF members in constituency road committees to promote better representation and management of road projects.
These legislative changes are expected to shape Kenya’s fiscal, infrastructural, and governance frameworks in the coming years.
