Free Consultation

Why Kenyans Complain About Taxes – And Why the Conversation Needs to Change

It’s March 2026, and if you’ve ridden a matatu this week, grabbed nyama choma with friends in Eastlands, or scrolled X late at night, you’ve probably heard it: “Taxes are too high!” “KRA is squeezing us dry!” “Why should I pay when others don’t?” The complaints are loud, emotional and everywhere. But here’s the honest […]

When Input VAT Accumulates Without Sales: What Businesses in Kenya Need to Know

A question we often get at Seal Associates is: “What happens to VAT when a company keeps buying goods or services but isn’t selling anything?” The short answer: input VAT can pile up, and it may not be recoverable unless the business is making taxable or zero-rated supplies. Here’s the breakdown. Why this happensVAT is […]

Understanding KRA’s eTIMS Requirements: What NGOs in Kenya Must Do to Stay Compliant

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has significantly expanded the scope of the Electronic Tax Invoice Management System (eTIMS). While many organisations initially assumed the requirements primarily affected VAT-registered businesses, the reality is broader. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), charities, and other non-profit entities must now pay close attention to how they document expenses – even where they […]

When Finance Is Left Out, Everyone Pays the Price: A Wake-Up Call for Kenyan Businesses

Hey fellow Nairobian. As we kick off another year of hustling in this vibrant city, let’s talk about something that’s quietly sabotaging too many Kenyan SMEs: sidelining finance until it’s too late. I’ve seen this drama unfold in boardrooms from Westlands to Industrial Area – HR green-lights hires, sales seals deals, ops stocks up, marketing […]

Kenya’s Double Taxation Agreements in Force: Withholding Tax Rates and Key Treaty Provisions (2026 Update)

The below DTAs have been ratified by both Kenya and the treaty partner and therefore apply for tax purposes (e.g., reduced WHT rates, allocation of taxing rights, foreign tax credits): » Canada » Denmark» Norway» Sweden» France» Germany» India» Iran» Qatar» Seychelles» South Africa» South Korea» United Arab Emirates» United Kingdom» Zambia Additionally, Kenya–Singapore DTA […]

Major Pain Points in the Kenya Tax System: Why So Many Business Owners Feel Like They’re Fighting a Losing Battle in 2026

Hey fellow Nairobi hustler (or wherever you’re grinding from) – if you’re a small business owner staring at your iTax dashboard right now, heart racing because another assessment just dropped, or you’re that café owner in Westlands wondering why your genuine expenses are suddenly treated as “profit,” you’re not alone. It’s January 2026, the economy’s […]