Siaya: Religious leaders demand public participation over proposed church, NGO tax

Religious leaders in Siaya County now demand public participation in the proposed tax regulation which targets churches and non-governmental organizations.

Led by the archbishop of the Church of Christ in Africa (CCA) Patrick Nyagudi, the church leaders said the government should subject the proposed law to public participation to get the feelings of the Kenyans before they can proceed to implement it.

Ligawa said churches such as the CCA do not have huge investments that can be taxed, noting that the little income that they have been raising through tithe and offerings is often ploughed back through charity work.

“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 added.            

He made the remarks during the consecration of the Church of Christ on Africa Malanga parish in Alego/Usonga where Rev. Nashon Adoche echoed the sentiments, adding that churches should remain exempted from taxes because some of those religious leaders often pay tax through their private investments.

On his part, the presiding Bishop of CCA church Malanga parish Rev. Richard Arwa called for peace to prevail in this country and asked the political leaders to desist from making inflammatory statements that can polarize the nation.

Members of Parliament last week supported the new tax regulations targeting churches, NGOs and other institutions exempted 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, in a meeting with top officials of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

The Bill, proposed by former Treasury Cabinet Secretary Prof. Njuguna Ndung'u, seeks to outline requirements to be met by charitable institutions that qualify them for tax exemptions on their income and stipulate what donations will be considered for tax deductions.

However, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa has assured the religious organisations in this country that the Bill shall not see the light of the day once it is brought to the floor of Parliament.    

He said the church must be consulted effectively.

“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,” Ichung’wah said.