New Law Proposing Changes to Internet Prices Faces Objection
Telecommunications companies pay charges to Kenya Power, which collects the levies and subsequently remits the funds to county governments...
✨ Key Highlights
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.
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Treasury Proposes 15% Minimum Tax as KEBS Mandates New 0.2% Levy on Goods - November 2025
Kenya's Treasury has unveiled draft regulations proposing a 15 per cent minimum corporate tax for multinational companies to prevent profit shifting and align with the OECD's global minimum tax framework. Separately, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has mandated all manufacturers to remit a new standards levy, warning of severe penalties for non-compliance. Following regulations gazetted in August, a 0.2% levy on the customs value of goods or services is now required. Meanwhile, the Ministry of ICT has voiced opposition to a proposed amendment to the Energy Act that would permit county governments to levy charges on public power lines, expressing concerns that it could significantly increase broadband internet costs.
