Insight type: Legal Alert

Until an emergency or an unexpected event occurs, the majority of us postpone certain tasks as our mindset is that it can always be done later; there are other more “important” things to focus on.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in widespread economic shocks across the world. In view of the various constraints relating to the pandemic, businesses are concerned that their ability to comply in a timely manner with various statutory obligations may be impaired during this period.

 

The Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020 was published on 30 March 2020 (the Bill) to make amendments to tax-related laws in Kenya including the Income Tax Act (CAP 470), the Value Added Tax Act, 2013, the Miscellaneous Fees and Levies Act, 2015 and the Excise Duty Act, 2015. The National Assembly will, on 8 April 2020, consider and vote on the Bill and forward it for assent to the President.

 

This note highlights the 6 month Amnesty Programme currently being conducted by the Zambian Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC).

President Uhuru Kenyatta on 25 March 2020 delivered a number of measures designed at cushioning Kenyans from the impact of COVID-19.

 

With the introduction of the Business Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2019 (the Bill), businesses stand to win big as the Kenyan government moves to amend certain statutes with the aim of improving the ease of doing business in the country. The Bill, which was introduced in the National Assembly in November 2019 and is currently in its First Reading stage, proposes several changes which, if adopted, could reduce costs and time spent on certain transactions in Kenya.

 

 

The Industrial Training (Training Levy) (Amendment) Order, 2020 (the Amendment Order) was gazetted on 21 February 2020, introducing changes to the Industrial Training (Training Levy) Order, 2007 (the Order). The amendments have been made effective as of 23 December 2019.

 

The Breastfeeding Mothers Bill, 2019 (the Bill) was introduced to the National Assembly on 18 October 2019. It requires employers to provide breastfeeding mothers with the time and space to freely express breastmilk, prescribes minimum standards for lactation stations and introduces penalties for non-compliant employers.

 

Kenya is stepping up its efforts to join global tax transparent jurisdictions in connection with the exchange of information on foreign accounts for tax purposes. On 5 December 2019, Kenya ratified the Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters (the Convention) which had been signed on 8 February 2016. By 27 November 2019, 135 countries had signed the Convention, including most of the offshore jurisdictions.

 

Law Society of Kenya v. the Attorney General and Central Organisation of Trade Unions, Supreme Court of Kenya, Petition No. 4 of 2019. The Work Injury Benefits Act, 2007 (the Act) provides compensation to employees for workplace injuries and illnesses.