The Ministry of ICT has opposed a proposed amendment to the Energy Act that would allow county governments to levy charges on public power lines, warning it could significantly increase broadband internet costs across Kenya.

• ICT Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke stated the amendment could disrupt national broadband projects and digital infrastructure rollout.
• The proposed change seeks to allow county governments to impose fees without approval from the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, which the ministry fears would fragment regulation and inflate consumer prices.
• Telecommunications companies, represented by Fiona Asonga, CEO of TESPOK, requested a special tariff for the industry similar to those extended to the manufacturing sector.

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has mandated all manufacturers to remit a new standards levy, warning of severe penalties for non-compliance. This follows the gazettement of regulations in August, requiring a 0.2% levy on the customs value of goods or services.

• Manufacturers must pay 0.2% of their monthly turnover, excluding VAT, excise duty, or discounts, with payments due via the KRA iTax platform by the 20th of the succeeding month.
• The maximum annual levy is capped at Ksh4 million, projected to increase to Ksh6 million by 2030.
• Manufacturers with an annual turnover not exceeding Ksh5 million are exempt from the levy, while non-payment incurs a 5% monthly penalty.
• This new levy is expected to double KEBS's revenue from Ksh700 million to Ksh1.4 billion.

Kenya's Treasury has unveiled draft tax regulations proposing a 15 per cent minimum corporate tax for multinational companies. This move aims to prevent profit shifting and ensure global firms contribute their fair share to Kenya's revenue, aligning with the OECD's global minimum tax framework.

• The proposed rules will apply to multinational groups with an annual consolidated turnover of at least €750 million (approximately Ksh96.92 billion).
• Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has invited public feedback on the draft by December 3.
• Multinational firms will pay a top-up tax if their effective tax rate in Kenya falls below 15 per cent, ensuring all large companies meet the minimum threshold.
• Public entities, pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and real estate investment vehicles will be exempt.