Judge spares Kenyans the pain of KRA new tax again tax
Consumers have a reason to celebrate during the coming festivities after the High Court extended the order suspending new excise duty on essential goods by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) for a further 45 days.
Justice James Makau yesterday extended the orders to January 26,2022 and directed that the status quo prevails pending the hearing and determination of the case.
A petitioner-Mwaura Kabata; a lawyer wants the court to grant orders declaring that the actions of KRA to impose the duty is a violation of the Constitution and is null and void.
New rates
Last month, Justice Makau directed that imposing the excise duty on the products be temoporarily suspended.
Products affected by the notice include fruit and vegetable juices, bottled water, beer and ciders, powdered beer, wines and alcohol spirits. Others are cigarettes and tobacco products l
The new rates will also apply to imported motorcycles except for motorcycle ambulances, imported sugar confectionery and white chocolate.
Kabata had also asked the court through lawyer Brian Odongo, to grant orders declaring that the tax collector erred by failing to table before the National Assembly the intended tax changes within the strict timelines set out.
Justice Makau further directed KRA to file and serve their responses within seven days from the day of the ruling.
