The Ministry of Trade and Investment is calling for urgent action to clear outstanding Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds owed to companies in Kenya. This move aims to prevent further undermining of industrial growth and to encourage investment in the country.

• Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui stated that unpaid VAT refunds, running into billions of shillings, have eroded investor confidence and stalled expansion plans.
• The ministry is reviewing VAT rates on exports and engaging the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to expedite settlements.
• CS Kinyanjui highlighted the potential for tea and flowers to further propel the economy, with new markets for tea like China and relocating floriculture firms from Colombia.
• Industry Principal Secretary Juma Mukhwana emphasized the need to decentralize manufacturing, as six counties currently host 90 percent of manufacturing firms.