Kenya Budget Speech 2023/24 Analysis

In this article, CDH Kenya's Tax & Exchange Control practice will provide an analysis of Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung'u's budget speech. 

16 Jun 2023 21 min read Tax & Exchange Control Alert Article

At a glance

  • The budget for the financial year 2023/24 marks the beginning of the current government fiscal year and has been formulated amidst considerable shocks in the global economy. 
  • In its 2023 Budget Policy Statement and Fourth Medium Term Plan, the government will be increasing investments in five strategic sectors that have the largest impact on both the economy and household welfare.
  • After the presentation of the budget 2023/24 by the Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury and Planning in parliament, the next step is for the budget to be brought before the committee of the whole house. This will take place around the week of 19 June 2023 – 23 June 2023.

Econonmic Outlook

Overview

The budget for the FY 2023/24 marks the beginning of the current government fiscal year and has been formulated amidst considerable shocks in the global economy. The uncertainties, including the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe, the turbulent financial market, dollar scarcity, increase in fuel prices, growing inflation and the drought effects have resulted in the slowdown of the economy globally and in Kenya. The declining value of the Kenyan shilling against the dollar and the country's increasing debt vulnerability have further compounded the economic challenges.

There have also been several public concerns such as the high cost of living, high rate of unemployment, increasing tax burdens and wastage of public funds. In response to these concerns, the government has implemented various interventions. In its 2023 Budget Policy Statement and Fourth Medium Term Plan, the government will be increasing investments in five strategic sectors that have the largest impact on both the economy and household welfare. These strategic sectors include agricultural transformation, micro, small and medium enterprise economy, housing and settlement, healthcare, digital superhighway, and creative industry. Through a special focus on these sectors, the government plans to reduce the cost of living, create jobs and achieve an equitable distribution of income.

Economic Growth and Decline

Kenya has recorded a decline in economic growth from 7.6% in 2021 to 4.8% in 2022. This was coupled with a decline in the share of real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the service industry and the agricultural sectors.

Budget Projections for FY 2023/24

Despite the challenges, the Kenyan government has projected an economic growth rate of 5.5% for the fiscal year 2023/24. Several factors contribute to this optimistic projection. The services sector is expected to experience a significant recovery, which would contribute to overall economic growth. Investments in the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are also expected to spur growth in the services sector and create employment opportunities. The broad-based private sector is also expected to spur growth.

Additionally, the government's focus on building investor confidence and expanding exports is expected to contribute to economic growth. By promoting exports, Kenya aims to reduce its trade deficit and increase foreign exchange earnings. Public sector investments, particularly in infrastructure development, are also anticipated to stimulate economic activity and contribute to GDP growth. Lastly, the government expects a revamped agricultural sector to improve economic growth, especially because of the improved weather conditions during the March – May rainy season.

Inflation

The country has recorded an average inflation rate of 8.78% as at May 2023 from 8.71% in April 2023 as reported by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). The inflation rate remains above the upper target of 7.5%. This suggests that inflationary pressures are still present in the economy and require attention.

Factors affecting inflation

Several factors have contributed to the inflationary pressures in Kenya with higher power tariffs being identified as a key driver of inflation. Increase in electricity prices directly impacts production costs for businesses, which are then passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices for goods and services.

Another factor influencing inflation is the weakening of the Kenyan shilling against the US dollar. From May 2023 to June 2023, the exchange rate depreciated from 130.1 to 139.71. This has been occasioned by the scarcity of the US Dollar due to the Federal Reserve's monetary policy stance of raising interest rates to tackle inflation. The depreciation of the currency has led to higher import prices, as the cost of imported goods and raw materials increases. These higher import prices can result in inflationary pressures, affecting the overall price levels in the economy.

Inflation Outlook

It is estimated that 2023's total inflation forecast would be at 6.5%, which is less than the upper target of 7.5%. This points to an inflation prognosis that is rather upbeat for the upcoming months. However, it is crucial to exercise caution because the inflation rate might still be impacted by several variables.

The trajectory of inflation will depend on various factors such as how stable electricity prices are and how well the Kenyan shilling performs against other major currencies. Any large increases in electricity rates or additional shilling devaluation might result in greater import costs and, as a result, increased inflation.

In addition, it is important to keep a careful eye on other domestic concerns including shifts in tax laws, wage fluctuations, and supply chain interruptions. These factors can have an impact on production costs, which may be passed on to the consumer in the form of higher prices.

2023/2024 Budget Overview

Total Budget and Expenditure

The total budget for the fiscal year 2023/24 is set at Kes 3.7 trillion. This allocation comprises Kes 2.53 trillion in recurrent expenditures, Kes 743.5 billion in development expenditures and Kes 385.4 billion in county equitable shares. Fiscal policy over the medium term focuses on supporting the government's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) while aiming to slow down annual growth in public debt and improve liability management without compromising service delivery. It is expected that these measures will enhance the country's debt sustainability position.

The government projects the fiscal deficit to decline to Kes. 718.0 billion. The fiscal deficit is to be financed through net external financing of Kes 131.5 billion and domestic financing of Kes 586.5 billion.

Fiscal framework

The government has also proposed a raft of fiscal frameworks to help achieve its targets.

They include:

  • plans to undertake a growth-friendly fiscal consolidation plan to ensure debt sustainability;
  • improving revenue collection through the broadening of tax base and controlling overall expenditure;
  • targeting to grow total revenues to 17.9% of Growth Domestic Products (GDP) in FY 2023/24 and above 18.3% of GDP over the medium term;
  • efforts will be made to scale up revenue collection by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to KES0 trillion over the medium term through tax administrative measures and policy reforms;
  • implementing the National Tax Policy and finalizing the Medium-Term Revenue Strategy to enhance administrative efficiency and boost tax revenues.
  • minimizing unnecessary fees and charges to improve the absorption of development partner funds;
  • plans to change the public debt ceiling from a numerical limit number to a ratio of public debt to GDP in present value terms;
  • projection of increase in external debt service due to the redemption of a US dollar 2.0 billion Eurobond.
  • commitment to meeting all maturing obligations including the maturing Eurobond; and
  • plans to create a conducive environment for private sector investment in Public-Private Partnership (PPP)
Expenditure Increase

The proposed total expenditure and net lending is expected to increase from KES 3.34 trillion in the previous fiscal year (2022/23) to KES 3.680 trillion in 2023/24. This represents a 4.17% expenditure increase from the previous year.

The recurrent expenditure is projected to increase by KES 1.1 trillion, while development expenditure is set to increase by KES 32 billion contributing to around 16.3% change from the previous fiscal year, 2022/23.

Allocation in the National Government

Executive

The budget estimate for the executive in the FY 2023/24 is KES 2.16 trillion. The notable allocations include KES 4.3 billion for the Office of the President, KES 3.7 billion for the Office of the Deputy President, and KES 1.19 billion for the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary.

Judiciary

The budget estimate for the judiciary in the FY 2023/24 is KES 23.2 billion, reflecting a significant increase from the previous allocation of KES 18.9 billion in 2022/23. This increase in funding for the judiciary emphasizes the government's commitment to strengthening the judicial system and ensuring its effective functioning.

Parliament

The budget estimate for Parliament in the FY 2023/24 is KES 41.0 billion, representing a decrease of KES 9 billion compared to the previous allocation. The reduction in funds allocated to parliament may be a result of efforts to optimize spending and prioritize other sectors of the economy.

County Government Equitable Allocation

County governments have been allocated KES 384.5 billion as equitable share of revenue, indicating an increase of KES 14.5 billion from the previous allocation of KES 370 billion in 2022. This increase in funds aims to support county governments in implementing their development projects and delivering essential services to their respective regions. The funding may not, however, translate to disbursement of the funds to the counties as the national government has in the current year struggled to raise enough revenue to share with the county governments.

Comparison of budget estimates for FY 2022/23 and FY 2023/24 (KES. Millions)

Item

Approved Estimates (2022/23)

Budget Estimates (2023/24)

Recurrent expenditure

1,387,900

2,530,000

Development Estimates

711,500

743,500

National Government

2,116,884

2,227,706

County Equitable Share

370,000

385,425

Contingency Fund

 

2,800

TOTAL

3,384,261

3,680,000

Sectoral Highlights

Education

Notably, the education sector has been allocated the lion's share with its allocation coming to KES 628.6 billion from KES 544.5 billion in the FY 2022/23. This represents an increase in the allocation in comparison to the previous fiscal year.

The increased allocation is coupled with the implementation of the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) with the need for additional resources at the Junior Secondary School and the recruitment of new teachers through the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). Further, the increased allocation would likely see an increase in the allocation for the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).

Energy, Infrastructure and ICT

The allocation to energy, infrastructure and ICT has decreased, from the previous KES 407.7 billion to KES 364.1 billion in the FY 2023/24. This comes at a time when taxpayers have asked the government to reconsider its spend on non-priority items and focus on  sectors with a higher socio-economic impact.

Health

Universal Healthcare Coverage (UHC) is a key pillar under the BETA which emphasizes the need for deployment of various programs to improve healthcare. For instance, an integrated health information system, that will enable every Kenyan to own and control access to their health records and a digital health platform.

To support the UHC programme, the health sector has been allocated KES 141.2 billion, increasing from KES 122 billion in FY 2022/23. This increase represents the government's commitment to ensuring the highest possible standard of health through the provision of equitable, affordable, and high-quality health and related services for citizens.

Social Protection, Culture and Recreation

The sector comprises of the state departments for sports, arts, and culture, labor, social Protection, Development of the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), and State Department for Gender. The sector's allocation has gone down from the previous allocation of KES. 73.2 billion to KES. 50.7 billion.

Among the constituent components include social security, social assistance, and social health insurance. This sector plays a significant role in transforming the country and social development through the implementation of special programmes for development of ASALs, gender equity, harmonious industrial relations, and sustainable development. It further promotes diverse cultures, arts, and sports to improve Kenya’s regional and international competitiveness, empowering vulnerable groups and communities, and safeguarding children’s rights.

Security

Pursuant to Kenya's Departmental Committee on Defense, Intelligence and Foreign Relations warning that Kenya’s security operations could suffer severe setbacks if the treasury cuts budgets of the Ministry of Defense and the National Intelligence Service (NIS), the allocation for the sector has significantly increased from the previous financial year's allocation of KES. 177.8 billion to KES. 338.2 billion. This will positively impact the Ministry of Defence’s ability to continue recruiting additional soldiers, gather intelligence and sustain security training programmes, and could consequently lessen the country's risk of increased terrorist attacks and enhance the ongoing crackdown against banditry in the North Rift.

Environment Protection, Water and Natural Resources

The government's commitment to environmental conservation and response to the impacts of climate change as part of the socio-economic transformation agenda is notable. Consequently, the budget allocation for environmental management and protection has been set at KES 3.8 billion with a further allocation of KES 3.6 billion to spur local climate action. Further, the government has also indicated an intention to expand access to clean and adequate water for domestic and agricultural use. Overall, the allocation for the entire sector has, however, decreased from the initial allocation of KES. 107.1 billion to KES. 105 billion.

Comparison of select sector allocations for FY 2022/23 VS 2023/24 (KES. millions)

Sector

Approved Estimates FY 2022-23

Approved

Estimates FY 2023-24

Energy, Infrastructure, and ICT

407,760.10

364,095

Health

122,519.30

141,200

Education

544,519.50

628,600

National Security

177,811.00

338,200

Social Protection, Culture and Recreation

73,213.50

50,700

Environment Protection, Water and Natural Resources

107,178.20

105,045

Legal Institutional and Policy reforms

BETA aims to improve the business environment, enhance public service delivery, and strengthen accountability and transparency in public finance management. The reforms suggested in the budget include:

  • Procurement Reforms:
    • The government acknowledges the importance of procurement reforms in achieving efficiency, transparency, and cost savings. The government intends to roll out an end-to-end e-Government Procurement system (e-GP) to both the national and county governments. The system, once rolled out, will enable online management, tracking, and monitoring of all public procurement and asset disposal processes, enhancing efficiency and transparency. Furthermore, the government is committed to facilitating access to government procurement opportunities for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) owned by women, youth, and persons with disabilities, which aligns with the government's focus on inclusivity and empowerment.
  • State Corporations Reforms:
    • The government recognizes the challenges posed by bloated payrolls in state corporations, leading to unmet statutory obligations and affecting core service delivery. To address this issue, the State Corporations Advisory Committee (SCAC) plans to undertake a program to rationalize staff establishment and maintain the 70:30 ratios of technical and support staff. Additionally, the government has introduced the Privatization Bill, 2023, to streamline privatization processes and reduce reliance on exchequer funding for state-owned enterprises (SOEs). These reforms aim to enhance the financial sustainability and efficiency of state corporations.
  • Restructuring of Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) and Kenya Airways:
    • The government intends to restructure KPLC and Kenya Airways to improve their efficiencies, reduce costs, and enhance their financial sustainability. For KPLC, the government plans to focus on addressing the liquidity gap, settling outstanding rural electrification schemes' operations and maintenance costs, reducing system losses, and establishing a new governance structure. Regarding Kenya Airways, the government aims to turn it into a profitable and sustainable Pan-African carrier, reducing its dependency on budgetary support.
  • Settlement of Pending Bills:
    • The government acknowledges the significant amount of pending bills, both at the national and county government levels, which has negatively impacted businesses and led to financial challenges. To address this issue, the government proposes the establishment of a Pending Bills Verification Committee to analyse and settle the outstanding bills. Once cleared, strict adherence to the Public Finance Management Act, 2012 will be enforced to prevent the accumulation of pending bills in the future.
  • Financial Sector Stability and Development:
    • The banking sector in Kenya has remained stable and resilient, with increased deposits and pre-tax profits. Non-performing loans have also decreased, indicating the sector's soundness. The government emphasizes the importance of building resilience and exploring emerging opportunities, leading to increased consolidations and regional expansion through acquisitions. The government expects the banking sector to remain stable and continue building on past reforms and initiatives.
  • Capital Markets Developments
    • The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) has developed regulations to enable MSMEs to raise debt and equity via the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). Further, the implementation of the Capital Markets (Investment-Based Crowdfunding) Regulations, 2022 by CMA is intended to support Kenyan startups in raising finance from global and local investors.
    • To promote the real estate sector, LAPTRUST IMARA Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT) has been listed in the NSE providing investors with an opportunity to invest in a diversified portfolio of income-generating real estate assets.
  • Pension Reforms:
    • To increase the pension coverage to the informal sector, it is noted that the government is working on a National Pensions Policy and that the national treasury has established the Kenya National Entrepreneurs Saving Trust (KNEST) with a focus on the population in the informal sector. The government intends to promote uptake of the scheme through strategic partnerships and promote voluntary pension contributions.
  • Insurance Reforms:
    • Here, the government acknowledges that the insurance sector has grown, and the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) has introduced a microinsurance framework to increase coverage for individuals with low income.
    • There have been proposals in the House Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2023, to include provisions for offences relating to the management of insurers, to enhance the efficiency of IRA.
  • SACCO Societies Reforms:
    • The government has proposed amendments to the Sacco Societies Act, 2008 to provide for licensing and supervision of shared SACCO services platform to improve efficiency and competitiveness of SACCOs.
    • It further proposed to establish a framework for the appointment of trustees to the Deposit Guarantee Fund (DGF) to address financially distressed SACCOs.
  • Ease of Doing Business and Consumer Protection:
    • The government will ensure that the Competition Authority of Kenya will exempt MSMEs from merger notifications and monitor sectors like manufacturing and Agro processing to protect MSMEs.
    • Further, the CMA is monitoring and investigating consumer issues in the utility sector, pharmaceuticals, digital financial services, e-commerce, insurance, aviation, and safety of basic commodities.

Tax Measures

The national treasury aims to enhance ordinary revenue collection as a share of GDP from 15.1% in 2022/23 to 15.8% in 2023/24. Proposed measures include implementing the National Tax Policy Framework and the Medium-Term Revenue Strategy, rolling out the electronic Tax Invoice Management System (e-TIMS), integrating the tax system with telecommunication companies, mapping rental properties, and enhancing compliance. While these measures may boost revenue collection, expanding the tax base in the informal sector may require careful consideration for effective implementation.

Custom duties

The government made various proposals on custom duties with a view of promoting local production and improving on food security. Among the proposals include:

Issue /Goods

Proposal in the Budget

Raw materials/Input and capital goods

 Duty free

Intermediate goods

 10%

Finished goods which are not available in the region

 25%

Finished goods available in the region in sufficient quantities

 CET at the rate of 35%

Imported rice

35%

Wheat

 10%

Completely Knocked Down (CKDs) kits for assembly of motorcycles

 10%

Imported iron and steel products

 35%

Vegetable products

 35%

Inputs for manufacture of animal feeds

 Duty free

Inputs for manufacture of baby diapers

 One year extension to import duty free

Imported diaper

 35% (one year extension)

Imported leather and footwear products

 35%

Raw materials and input for manufacture of footwear products

 Extension to import duty free

Inputs for manufacturing roofing tiles

 One year extension to import duty free

Income Tax

The government has proposed a raft of changes to the Income Tax Act. The proposed changes are likely to go a long way in not only improving livelihoods in various ways such as enhancing access to health care for retirees but also in helping the government increase its tax base.

Issue

 Proposed changes in the Income Tax Act

Interest on loans borrowed from local financial institutions

 Exclusion of interest from interest deduction restriction

Monthly rental income tax

 Reduction from 10% to 7.5%

Taxation of gains on shares offered to employees in lieu of their salaries in a startup company

 Deferral of taxation of gains for five years or till the employment ceases or till the date of sale of the shares, whichever is earlier

Contributions to a Post-Retirement Medical Fund

 Tax relief of 15% or KES 5,000 per month whichever is lower

Investment income earned by Post-Retirement Medical Fund

 Exempt from income tax

CGT on transfers of property between related persons

 Change of base of CGT from the sale of property to be the original cost before the transfer to the family members in instances where a property is transferred to a 3rd party within a period of less than 5 years.

Digital Asset Tax (DAT)

 Introduction of DAT at the rate of 3% on the value of digital asset transferred or exchanged.

Digital Content Monetization

 Introduction of withholding tax at the rate of 5 % on the gross payment

Sales promotion, marketing, and advertising services

 Withholding tax at the rate of 5% of the gross amount paid to residents.

Corporation tax rate for non-residents

 Reduction from 37.5% to 30% and introduction of tax on repatriated profits at 15%

Turnover tax

Increase the rate of turnover tax to 3% and lower the upper threshold of turnover tax from KES 50 million to KES 25 million and retain the lower threshold at KES 1 million.

Local manufacturing of human vaccines

 Exempt manufacturers in the sector from withholding tax on interest and royalties paid to non-residents

Additional PAYE bands

Introduction of two additional tax bands:

·        32.5% on incomes between KES 500,000 and KES 800,000 per month; and

·        35% on incomes above KES 800,000 per month

 

Value Added Tax (VAT)

The proposals made by the government to amend the VAT Act are likely to impact ordinary citizens in significant ways. Here is an overview of as presented by the treasury to parliament:

Goods

 Proposed changes in the Value Added Tax Act

Liquified Petroleum Gas

 Zero-rated  

Exported Services

 VAT exempt

Tea purchased from factories or tea auction centers for value addition and subsequent export

 VAT exempt

Aircraft, simulators, and spare parts

 VAT exempt

Petroleum Products

Revise the current preferential rate of 8% VAT to the standard VAT rate of 16%

Inbound International Sea freight

 Zero-rated

Locally purchased machinery for pharmaceutical manufacture

Extend VAT exemption for the manufacture of pharmaceuticals

Services and goods related to the construction of specialized hospitals, tourist facilities etc.

16% VAT

Transfer of business as a going concern

VAT exempt

Excise Duty

To control negative externalities, further changes have been proposed to amend the Excise Duty Act. Below is a comprehensive highlight of the proposals:

Issue/Goods

Proposed Tax changes in the Excise Duty Act

Remittance of Excise Duty on betting and gaming activities

 Remit within 24 hours of closure of transactions.

Excise Duty rate for betting, gaming, prize competition, and lotteries

Increase from 7.5% to 12.5%.

 Introduction of Excise Duty on imported fish

KES 100,000 per metric ton or 10% of the excisable value.

Excise Duty on powdered juice

 KES 25 per kilogram.

Annual inflation adjustment

 Repeal the provision for annual adjustment of specific excise duty rates for inflation.

Imported sugar

Introduce KES 5.0 per kilogram (excluding for pharmaceutical use).

Fees charged for alcohol and gambling advertisements.

New Excise Duty of 15% of the excisable value on fees charged

Telephone, internet data services, and money transfer services.

 Reduce Excise Duty from 20% to 15% for fees charged for telephone and internet data services & money transfer services by banks.

Reduce Excise Duty from 12% to 10% for fees charged for money transfer services by cellular service providers or Payment Service Providers.

Imported Cement

10% Excise Duty of the excisable value or KES 1.50 per kilogram.

Imported Furniture

30% of the customs value (excluding EAC countries).

Imported Paints, Varnishes and Lacquers

15% of the excisable value.

Other Taxes

 Other taxes to which the treasury has proposed changes are as follows:

Issue/goods

 Proposed changes other taxes

 Employment Act (Affordable Housing Levy)

Introduce an Affordable Housing Levy payable by the employer and employee at a rate of 1.5% of the employee's gross monthly salary.

Exemption of goods produced in Special Economic/Export Zones

Exempt goods produced in these zones, using inputs or raw materials originating from the Customs territory, from import duty when sold in the domestic market.

Miscellaneous Fees & Levies Act

i)                 Liquified Petroleum Gas

Remove Import Declaration Fees (IDF) and Railway Development Levy (RDL) on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)

ii)                Aircrafts, helicopters, aircraft engines and spare parts

Extend the exemption from Import Declaration Fees (IDF) and Railway Development Levy (RDL)

iii)               Import Declaration Fee and Railway Development Levy

Harmonize the rates of Import Declaration Fee and Railway Development Levy at 2.5% and 1.5% respectively for all goods imported into the country

KRA enforcement of tax from betting, gaming, prize competitions and lotteries

Amend the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act to allow the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to apply the provisions of the Tax Procedures Act for enforcing tax collection from betting, gaming, prize competitions, and lotteries activities.

Tax Administration

Tax administration is an essential tool in enhancing revenue collection. The following measures have been proposed to facilitate efficiency in tax administration:

Issue/goods

 Proposed changes in the Tax Procedures Act, 2015

 Reporting by trustee of trusts

Trustees administering trusts to maintain and avail records to Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

 Tax compliance

Taxpayers to issue electronically generated tax invoices through the electronic Tax Invoice Management System (e-TIMS).

 Tax waivers and penalties

Remove KRA's powers to abandon tax and waive penalties and interest that currently exist.

 Tax amnesty

Introduce a one-year tax amnesty on penalties and interest on tax liabilities accrued up to 31 December 2022 provided the principal tax is paid by June 2024.

Agency notice

Expand the scope of agency notices to cover default in payment of instalment taxes and situations where a taxpayer has made a self-assessment but failed to pay the tax.

Data Management and Reporting

Commissioner General to provide a data management and reporting system for electronic submission of standardized transactional data on a real-time basis.

Impersonation

Provide for offences and sanctions relating to impersonation of KRA officers.

Offset of tax liabilities

Allow utilization of overpaid tax to offset outstanding tax debts and future tax liabilities

Tax disputes

Provide an additional 30 days for the determination of complex tax cases

Tax refunds

KRA to pay approved refunds within 6 months, with provisions of automatic offset against outstanding tax liabilities if not paid within the specified period.

 Conclusion and next steps

After the presentation of the budget 2023/24 by the Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury and Planning in parliament, the next step is for the budget to be brought before the committee of the whole house. This will take place around the week of 19 June 2023 – 23 June 2023.

At this stage, further changes can still be suggested to the budget estimates and proposals. Including considering the new changes that were suggested by the CS such as reducing the Excise Duty rate for money transfer services by cellular phone service providers and Payment Service Providers from 12% to 10% contrary to the proposal in the Finance bill to increase from 12% to 15%. The whole house could also consider the CS' proposal to remove the Import Declaration Fee and Railway Development Fee from Liquified Petroleum Gas.

It is not a must for the whole house to agree with either the recommendations of the Departmental Committee or the CS. In the recent past, parliament disagreed with the proposal of the Committee on Finance and National Planning to cap capital gains tax at 10% and instead changed it back to 15%. We therefore anticipate that further changes are likely to be made to the Finance Bill 2023 before Parliament takes a vote on the amended version.

The government plans to implement the various tax measures in the Finance Bill 2023 in phases. There are provisions that will take effect on 1 July 2023, others on 1 September 2023 and others from 1 January 2024. We will continue to keep track of the changes and prepare an analysis of the final provisions that will make their way into the Finance Act, 2023.

In the meantime, CDH encourages you to read the following resources:

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