Religious leaders in Siaya County are calling for public participation in the proposed tax regulations targeting churches and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Led by Archbishop Patrick Nyagudi of the Church of Christ in Africa (CCA), they emphasized the need for the government to seek input from the public before implementing the proposed law.
Nyagudi argued that churches like the CCA do not have significant investments to be taxed and that the limited income they receive from tithes and offerings is often reinvested in charitable activities. “Churches submit their annual returns to the office of the Attorney General, where they make payments and should therefore not be taxed any further,” he stated.
His remarks were echoed by Rev. Nashon Adoche during the consecration of the Church of Christ in Africa Malanga parish in Alego/Usonga, who insisted that churches should remain exempt from taxes because many religious leaders already pay taxes on their private investments.
Rev. Richard Arwa, the presiding bishop of CCA’s Malanga parish, also called for peace and urged political leaders to refrain from making divisive statements that could destabilize the nation.
Last week, Members of Parliament expressed support for new tax regulations targeting churches, NGOs, and other institutions that are currently exempt from taxes. The National Assembly Committee on Delegated Legislation, chaired by Ainabkoi MP Samuel Chepkonga, endorsed the Income Tax Regulations Bill (Charitable Organizations and Donations Exemptions) 2024, following discussions with top officials from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
The Bill, proposed by former Treasury Cabinet Secretary Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u, aims to specify the criteria charitable institutions must meet to qualify for tax exemptions on their income and outline which donations will be eligible for tax deductions.
However, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has assured religious organizations that the Bill will not proceed without thorough consultations with the church. “I assure you that the bill will not go forward without deliberations with churches. Churches are a key part of this country, and no nation can progress without strong churches,” he stated.
