UK protests higher tax on its products in Kenya
2 min read
The UK government launch complain over higher tax imposed on some of its products (whiskies, cars) in Kenya
The UK government launch complain over higher tax imposed on some of its products (whiskies, cars) in Kenya.
According to a senior government official, the United Kingdom has lodged an official complaint against the higher import duty that Kenya imposed on some of its products.
Kenya imposed a 35 percent tax on whiskies imported from the UK in accordance with the East Africa Community (EAC) Customs Union.
But the two nations’ agreed Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) places a 25% import tax on British whiskey.
However, the UK advocated for a halt to the increased duty, which would go against the regional bloc’s CET (common external tariff), according to Principal Secretary for Trade Alfred Ombudo K’Ombudo.
“This was formerly presented as a grievance by the UK before the EPA Council,” said K’Ombudo. The EPA Council is the decision- making body that the two countries formed. The PS noted that at the initiation of the trade department, a technical working committee was set up to address the problem. “We are in consultation with various State agencies including the Kenya Revenue Authority, the National Treasury and Kenya Bureau of Statistics (KEBS),” said K’Ombudo.
Outrage as pastor defiles ten-year-old girl, gives her Ksh. 5
DCI reveals trick used by fraudsters to rob Mpesa shops
Shock as a 60-year-old woman murdered and body dumped in a plantation
Judiciary official arrested while demanding Ksh 400K bribe
KRA responds over Kenyans demanding refund for Housing Levy deductions
The UK-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement that was signed allows UK products such as whiskies, cars and car parts to be charged a levy of 25 per cent.
Kenya has also ratified another EPA with the European Union which is yet to be effected in Brussels.
This means that the EU deal will also ´nd itself in the same dilemma should it be rati´ed by Brussels.
“Under the EAC protocol, Kenya should adopt the EAC Common External Tariff (CET),” said Robert Waruiru, a tax expert.
“The EPA gives reciprocal lower rates for imports from the EU… perhaps the push (by Kenya) for a revision of the CET bands.”
Also read,
Mudavadi heckled for defending Ruto in Siaya
A mother stabs her three-year-old son to death
Ahmednasir Abdullahi criticize Ruto over his trip to Italy
Former Uhuru CS lands Commonwealth role
Kimani Ichung’wa calls on Ruto not to allow his government to be sabotaged by the Judiciary
Follow us
