PAYE Calculator Kenya (Calculate Tax)

What is PAYE?


PAYE (Pay As You Earn) is Kenya’s system for collecting income tax directly from employees’ earnings. Administered by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), it requires employers to deduct a portion of an employee’s monthly salary or wages and remit it to the government. Unlike lump-sum tax payments, PAYE operates incrementally, ensuring taxes are paid in real time as income is earned. It applies to employment income, including salaries, wages, bonuses, allowances, and benefits-in-kind (e.g., housing or car allowances). This system simplifies tax compliance for employees, as deductions are automated and tied to the payroll cycle

calculate your paye tax on this website in kenya
Kenya PAYE Calculator 2024

Kenya PAYE Calculator 2024

Accurate salary calculations with NHIF & NSSF deductions

Taxable Income: KES 0.00
PAYE Tax: KES 0.00
NHIF Deduction: KES 0.00
NSSF Deduction: KES 0.00
Net Salary: KES 0.00

Who is Eligible for PAYE in Kenya?


PAYE applies to:

  • Employees: All salaried individuals working under a formal employment contract, whether full-time, part-time, or temporary.
  • Income Thresholds: As of 2023/2024, employees earning above Ksh 24,000 per month are subject to PAYE. Those earning below this amount are exempt but may still contribute to statutory deductions like NHIF and NSSF.
  • Non-Residents: Foreigners working in Kenya for more than 122 days annually are also subject to PAYE, taxed at resident rates unless exempt under double-taxation agreements.

Exemptions: Certain groups, such as agricultural workers earning less than Ksh 2,000 monthly and employees of diplomatic missions, may be excluded.

Legal Framework: KRA Guidelines


PAYE is governed by the Income Tax Act (Cap 470) and enforced by the KRA. Key regulations include:

  • Employer Obligations: Employers must register with KRA, deduct accurate PAYE from employees, and remit it by the 9th of the following month. Late payments attract penalties (e.g., 5%–20% fines or interest on arrears).
  • Compliance Tools: The KRA’s iTax platform streamlines PAYE filing, payment, and record-keeping. Employers must issue employees with a P9A form annually, summarizing total earnings and deductions.
  • Recent Updates: The 2023 Finance Act revised tax bands and reliefs, aligning PAYE with inflation and economic priorities. For instance, the top tax rate (30%) now applies to monthly earnings above Ksh 500,000.

Why PAYE Matters


PAYE is Kenya’s largest source of income tax revenue, funding public services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. For employees, understanding PAYE ensures transparency in net pay and compliance with tax laws. Employers, meanwhile, risk legal action for non-compliance, including audits or fines for under-deducting taxes.

2. Components of PAYE Calculation

Gross Salary: Definition and Inclusions


Gross salary is the total earnings of an employee before any deductions. It serves as the foundation for calculating PAYE and includes:

  • Basic Salary: Fixed monthly compensation agreed in the employment contract.
  • Allowances: Regular additional payments, such as:
    • House Allowance: For housing expenses (partially or fully taxable).
    • Car Allowance: For vehicle maintenance or fuel (taxable unless explicitly exempt).
    • Commuter Allowance: Up to Ksh 5,000/month is tax-exempt (exceeding amounts are taxable).
    • Medical Allowance: Non-taxable if used for medical insurance premiums.
  • Bonuses: Performance-based or annual bonuses (e.g., Christmas bonuses).
  • Overtime Pay: Compensation for extra hours worked.
  • Benefits-in-Kind: Non-cash benefits like employer-provided housing, cars, or school fees, valued at market rates and added to taxable income.

Deductible Allowances: Non-Taxable vs. Taxable


Not all allowances are treated equally under Kenyan tax law:

  • Non-Taxable Allowances:
    • Commuter Allowance: Exempt up to Ksh 5,000/month (2023/2024).
    • Medical Allowance: Fully exempt if channeled through NHIF or approved medical schemes.
    • Leave Travel Allowance: Exempt for one domestic trip annually.
  • Taxable Allowances:
    • House Allowance: Fully taxable unless part of a rental reimbursement scheme approved by KRA.
    • Car Allowance: Taxable unless tied to a logbook-financed vehicle.
    • Entertainment Allowance: Always taxable.
  • Partial Exemptions:
    • Mortgage Interest Relief: Up to Ksh 300,000/year deductible from taxable income.

Taxable Income: Gross Salary Minus Allowable Deductions


Taxable income is the amount subject to PAYE after subtracting non-taxable allowances and statutory deductions:

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Taxable Income = Gross Salary – (Non-Taxable Allowances + Statutory Deductions)  

Example: If gross salary is Ksh 80,000, with Ksh 5,000 (non-taxable commuter allowance) and Ksh 1,700 (NHIF/NSSF deductions):

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Taxable Income = 80,000 – (5,000 + 1,700) = Ksh 73,300  

Statutory Deductions: NHIF, NSSF, and Their Impact


Mandatory deductions that reduce taxable income:

  1. NHIF (National Hospital Insurance Fund):
    • Monthly contributions range from Ksh 500 (earners below Ksh 5,999) to Ksh 1,700 (earners above Ksh 100,000).
    • Impact: Lowers taxable income but is capped at Ksh 1,700/month.
  2. NSSF (National Social Security Fund):
    • Tier I: 6% of pensionable earnings (up to Ksh 7,000/month), split equally between employer and employee.
    • Tier II: Voluntary savings for higher earners.
    • Impact: Tier I deductions (employee’s 6%) reduce taxable income.

Key Note: Statutory deductions are subtracted from gross salary before applying PAYE rates, effectively lowering the tax burden.

Why These Components Matter
Misinterpreting allowances or statutory deductions can lead to overpayment or underpayment of taxes. For instance, failing to exempt the Ksh 5,000 commuter allowance might inflate taxable income unnecessarily. Employers must accurately classify each component to comply with KRA regulations and avoid penalties.

3. Kenya PAYE Tax Bands & Rates (2023/2024)

Kenya’s PAYE system uses progressive tax bands, meaning higher income portions are taxed at higher rates. Below are the current monthly and annual tax brackets, reliefs, and their application:

individual tax band rates kenya latest calculating on ms excel sheet

Current Tax Brackets (2023/2024)

Monthly Income (Ksh)Annual Income (Ksh)Tax Rate
Up to 24,000Up to 288,0000% (Exempt)
24,001 – 32,333288,001 – 387,99610%
32,334 – 500,000387,997 – 6,000,00025%
Above 500,000Above 6,000,00030%

How Progressive Taxation Works
Each portion of income is taxed at its corresponding band. For example:

  • If you earn Ksh 80,000/month:
    • First Ksh 24,000: 0%
    • Next Ksh 8,333 (24,001–32,333): 10% → Ksh 833
    • Remaining Ksh 47,667 (32,334–80,000): 25% → Ksh 11,917
    • Total Tax Before Relief: Ksh 833 + Ksh 11,917 = Ksh 12,750

Personal Relief

All taxpayers receive a fixed monthly deduction from their tax liability:

  • Monthly Relief: Ksh 2,400
  • Annual Relief: Ksh 28,800

Application in the Example Above:

  • Tax After Relief: Ksh 12,750 – Ksh 2,400 = Ksh 10,350

Additional Reliefs

These reduce taxable income, further lowering PAYE liability:

  1. Mortgage Relief:
    • Deductible interest on mortgage loans up to Ksh 300,000/year (Ksh 25,000/month).
    • Eligibility: Must be for a residential property in Kenya.
  2. Insurance Relief:
    • 15% of premiums paid for life, education, or health insurance (capped at Ksh 60,000/year or Ksh 5,000/month).
    • Eligibility: Policies must be from licensed Kenyan insurers.

Example with Reliefs:
If the earner above pays Ksh 20,000/year in mortgage interest and Ksh 30,000/year in insurance:

  • Mortgage Relief: Ksh 20,000 (full amount ≤ Ksh 300,000 cap).
  • Insurance Relief: 15% of Ksh 30,000 = Ksh 4,500.
  • Total Relief Added: Ksh 20,000 + Ksh 4,500 = Ksh 24,500/year (reduces taxable income).

Key Notes

  • Annual Adjustments: Tax bands and reliefs are reviewed yearly in the Finance Act (e.g., 2023 adjustments increased the top-tier threshold to Ksh 500,000/month).
  • Non-Residents: Taxed at 30% on all income without progressive bands or personal relief, unless exempt under double-taxation treaties.
  • Bonus Taxation: Treated as part of monthly income and taxed at the applicable rate.
Key Highlights of the Tax Amnesty Program:
Automatic Waiver: Taxpayers who settled their principal taxes before December 31, 2023, automatically qualify for a waiver on penalties and interest—no application needed.

Application Requirement: Those with outstanding principal taxes as of December 31, 2023, must apply via the iTax system and submit a structured payment plan to fully clear their dues by June 30, 2025.
Exclusions: Tax debts incurred from January 1, 2024, onwards do not qualify for amnesty. Penalties, interest, and principal taxes for these debts remain payable.
Take advantage of this opportunity and clear your tax obligations.

4. Calculate PAYE (Step by Step Guide)

This section provides a clear, manual method to compute your PAYE liability using the 2023/2024 tax bands and reliefs.

Formula Breakdown

The core PAYE formula is:

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PAYE = (Taxable Income × Applicable Tax Rate) – Personal Relief  
  • Taxable Income: Calculated as Gross Salary – [Non-Taxable Allowances + Statutory Deductions] (see Section 2 for details).
  • Applicable Tax Rate: Determined by Kenya’s progressive tax bands.
  • Personal Relief: Fixed monthly deduction of Ksh 2,400.

Example Calculation with Real-World Figures

Scenario: Jane earns a monthly gross salary of Ksh 150,000, with the following components:

  • Non-taxable commuter allowance: Ksh 5,000
  • NHIF deduction: Ksh 1,700
  • NSSF (Tier I employee contribution): Ksh 420 (6% of Ksh 7,000)

Our Paye Calculator

Our tool stands out as the best PAYE calculator in Kenya, offering real-time updates, user-friendly features, and unmatched accuracy. Whether you’re an employee verifying your deductions or an employer streamlining payroll, it accounts for all variables, including NHIF, NSSF, and insurance relief. Trusted by professionals nationwide, PAYE Calculator Kenya eliminates guesswork and ensures error-free tax planning. Experience seamless calculations today and take control of your financial obligations effortlessly.

Step 1: Calculate Taxable Income

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Taxable Income = Gross Salary – (Non-Taxable Allowances + NHIF + NSSF)  
= 150,000 – (5,000 + 1,700 + 420)
= Ksh 142,880

Step 2: Apply Progressive Tax Rates

paye calculator kenya screenshot showing tax

Using 2023/2024 bands:

  1. First Ksh 24,000: 0% → Ksh 0
  2. Next Ksh 8,333 (24,001–32,333): 10% → Ksh 833.30
  3. Remaining Ksh 110,547 (32,334–142,880): 25% → Ksh 27,636.75

Total Tax Before Relief:

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0 + 833.30 + 27,636.75 = Ksh 28,470.05  

Step 3: Subtract Personal Relief

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PAYE = 28,470.05 – 2,400 = **Ksh 26,070.05**  

Jane’s monthly PAYE is Ksh 26,070.

How Bonuses, Overtime, and Benefits Are Taxed

  1. Bonuses:
    • Treated as part of taxable income in the month they are paid.
    • Example: A Ksh 100,000 bonus added to Jane’s Ksh 150,000 salary would push her taxable income to Ksh 242,880, taxed at 25% for amounts above Ksh 32,333.
    • Alternative: Employers may apply a 30% flat rate on the bonus without aggregating it with salary (rare, but legal).
  2. Overtime Pay:
    • Taxed as ordinary income under the progressive bands.
    • Example: Ksh 20,000 overtime added to Jane’s salary would increase her taxable income to Ksh 162,880.
  3. Benefits-in-Kind:
    • Valued at market rates and added to gross salary.
    • Example: A company car valued at Ksh 30,000/month would increase taxable income by Ksh 30,000.

Key Notes

  • Aggregation vs. Separate Taxation: Bonuses can inflate your monthly tax bracket if aggregated with salary.
  • 30% Bonus Rule: If taxed separately, the bonus is taxed at 30%, but this often results in higher liability than aggregation.
  • Overtime: No special tax rates it’s taxed like regular income.
  • Read Complete article on it.

5. Why Use a PAYE Calculator?

5. Why Use a PAYE Calculator?

Navigating Kenya’s PAYE system manually can be error-prone and time-consuming. A dedicated PAYE calculator simplifies the process, offering four critical advantages:

1. Accuracy: Eliminate Manual Errors

PAYE calculations involve multiple variables:

  • Progressive tax bands (10%, 25%, 30%).
  • Non-taxable allowances (e.g., Ksh 5,000 commuter exemption).
  • Statutory deductions (NHIF, NSSF).
  • Reliefs (personal, mortgage, insurance).

Human errors like miscalculating taxable income or misapplying tax rates can lead to underpayment (risking penalties) or overpayment (reducing net salary). A PAYE calculator:

  • Automatically applies the correct rates to each income portion.
  • Accounts for all exemptions and reliefs in real time.
  • Example: A manual calculation might overlook the Ksh 2,400 personal relief, inflating tax liability by Ksh 28,800 annually.

2. Time-Saving: Instant Results

Manual computation requires:

  • Breaking down income into tax bands.
  • Subtracting allowances and deductions.
  • Applying reliefs.

A PAYE calculator delivers results in seconds, even for complex scenarios like:

  • Bonus payments: Automatically aggregates or taxes separately at 30%.
  • Benefits-in-kind: Adds market value of non-cash benefits to taxable income.
  • Multiple reliefs: Computes mortgage and insurance reliefs concurrently.

Use Case: An employer processing 100+ payroll entries monthly saves hours by automating calculations.

3. Compliance: Stay Updated with KRA Regulations

Tax laws change annually (e.g., 2023’s increased top-tier threshold to Ksh 500,000). A reliable PAYE calculator:

  • Updates tax bands, relief caps, and statutory rates (e.g., NHIF’s 2024 adjustments).
  • Reflects KRA’s latest guidelines, such as taxation of remote workers.
  • Generates audit-ready reports for employers.

Avoid Penalties: Non-compliance with KRA rules can result in fines up to 20% of unpaid tax or legal action.

4. Financial Planning: Master Your Net Salary

A PAYE calculator clarifies your take-home pay, enabling:

  • Budgeting: Compare gross vs. net salary to plan expenses.
  • Negotiations: Model how salary increments or allowances impact net income.
  • Loan Applications: Accurately report disposable income to lenders.
  • Side Hustles: Gauge tax liability from freelance work or part-time gigs.

Example: Earning Ksh 200,000 gross? The calculator reveals a net salary of ~Ksh 147,000 after PAYE, NHIF, NSSF, and reliefs.

Who Benefits Most?

  • Employees: Verify employer deductions and plan finances.
  • Employers: Ensure payroll compliance and efficiency.
  • HR Managers: Streamline salary negotiations and tax reporting.
  • Freelancers: Estimate provisional tax for irregular income.

Try It Now: Use the PAYE Calculator Kenya tool to instantly compute your taxes, avoid errors, and stay compliant.

6. Common Mistakes in PAYE Calculations

Even minor errors in PAYE computation can lead to financial penalties, employee disputes, or KRA audits. Below are frequent pitfalls and how to avoid them:

1. Ignoring NHIF/NSSF Deductions

The Mistake: Failing to subtract NHIF and NSSF contributions before calculating taxable income.
Consequences:

  • Overstated taxable income → Higher PAYE liability.
  • Example: A gross salary of Ksh 50,000 with NHIF (Ksh 1,700) and NSSF (Ksh 420) would have a taxable income of Ksh 47,880. Skipping deductions inflates it to Ksh 50,000, increasing tax by Ksh 1,320 (25% of Ksh 2,120).
    Solution: Always deduct NHIF/NSSF first, even for employees below the PAYE threshold.

2. Misclassifying Taxable vs. Non-Taxable Allowances

The Mistake: Treating non-taxable allowances (e.g., commuter, medical) as taxable or vice versa.
Common Misclassifications:

  • Taxing the entire commuter allowance instead of exempting Ksh 5,000/month.
  • Overlooking taxable benefits-in-kind (e.g., free housing valued at Ksh 20,000/month).
  • Assuming entertainment allowances are non-taxable (they are always taxable).
    Consequences: Underpayment or overpayment of taxes, triggering KRA penalties.
    Solution: Refer to KRA’s 2023 Allowance Guidelines for clarity.

3. Overlooking Reliefs (Personal, Mortgage, Insurance)

The Mistake: Forgetting to apply reliefs, especially after changes in personal circumstances (e.g., taking a mortgage).
Examples:

  • Not claiming mortgage relief (up to Ksh 300,000/year) for homeowners.
  • Ignoring insurance relief (15% of premiums paid).
  • Omitting the Ksh 2,400/month personal relief, which reduces tax liability for all employees.
    Consequences: Paying more taxes than legally required.
    Solution: Automate relief calculations using updated payroll software or KRA’s iTax portal.

4. Failing to Update for Annual Tax Changes

The Mistake: Using outdated tax bands, relief caps, or statutory rates.
2023/2024 Updates Often Missed:

  • New top tax bracket of 30% for income above Ksh 500,000/month.
  • Increased NHIF cap to Ksh 1,700/month.
  • Revised NSSF Tier I contributions (6% of Ksh 7,000).
    Consequences: Non-compliance with KRA regulations, leading to fines of up to 20% of unpaid taxes + interest.
    Solution: Subscribe to KRA newsletters or use a PAYE calculator that auto updates rates.

How to Avoid These Errors

  • For Employers: Conduct quarterly payroll audits and train HR/finance teams on KRA updates.
  • For Employees: Cross-check payslips against KRA’s PAYE tables and use a reliable calculator.
  • For All: File annual tax returns (IT1) to reconcile discrepancies.

Real-World Example
A Nairobi-based company misclassified Ksh 10,000/month as a non-taxable “transport allowance” instead of a taxable “car allowance.” After a KRA audit, they owed Ksh 36,000 in back taxes (25% of Ksh 10,000 × 12 months) + penalties.

7. Kenya PAYE vs Other Taxes

Understanding how PAYE differs from other Kenyan taxes helps employees, employers, and businesses comply with KRA regulations and avoid legal pitfalls. Below is a breakdown of key distinctions:

1. PAYE vs. Corporate Tax

AspectPAYECorporate Tax
Who Pays?Employees (individuals).Businesses (companies, partnerships).
Tax BaseEmployment income (salaries, allowances).Net profits (revenue minus expenses).
Tax RatesProgressive (0%–30%).Flat rate: 30% (resident companies), 37.5% (non-resident).
Filing FrequencyMonthly (employers remit by 9th of next month).Annually (via audited financial statements).
Reliefs/DeductionsPersonal relief, mortgage/insurance relief.Business expenses, capital allowances, R&D incentives.

Key Difference: PAYE targets individual earnings, while corporate tax applies to business profits. A company director, for instance, pays PAYE on their salary and corporate tax on the company’s profits.

2. PAYE vs. Withholding Tax (WHT)

AspectPAYEWithholding Tax (WHT)
Who Pays?Employees under formal employment.Contractors, service providers, freelancers.
Tax BaseMonthly employment income.Payments for services, interest, royalties, or dividends.
Tax RatesProgressive (0%–30%).Varies: 3% (resident contractors), 20% (non-resident).
ResponsibilityEmployer deducts and remits.Payer (e.g., business) deducts and remits.
Final Tax?Yes (no annual reconciliation).No (creditable against annual income tax).

Example: A freelance graphic designer earning Ksh 100,000/month from a Kenyan firm would have 3% WHT (Ksh 3,000) deducted, unlike a salaried employee whose Ksh 100,000 would be taxed under PAYE bands.

3. PAYE vs. Capital Gains Tax (CGT)

AspectPAYECapital Gains Tax (CGT)
Who Pays?Employees.Sellers of assets (land, shares, buildings).
Tax BaseEmployment income.Profit from asset sales (selling price – purchase cost).
Tax RateProgressive (0%–30%).15% flat rate (as of 2023).
Filing FrequencyMonthly.Upon asset sale (within 30 days of transfer).
ExemptionsPersonal relief, allowances.Primary residential property (up to 1 acre).

Key Difference: PAYE applies to ongoing income, while CGT is a one-time tax on asset disposal. For example, selling a Nairobi plot for Ksh 10 million (purchased at Ksh 6 million) incurs CGT of 15% × Ksh 4 million = Ksh 600,000.

Why These Differences Matter

  • Legal Compliance: Misclassifying income (e.g., treating freelance earnings as employment income) risks penalties.
  • Tax Efficiency: A business owner paying themselves via dividends (taxed at 10% WHT) vs. salary (PAYE) can optimize liability.
  • Audit Triggers: Discrepancies between PAYE filings and corporate tax returns may prompt KRA investigations.

Practical Tip: Use KRA’s iTax portal to verify tax obligations for different income streams.

8. Compliance & Penalties

Employer Responsibilities Under KRA

Employers in Kenya are legally obligated to:

  1. Register with KRA: Obtain a PAYE withholding tax certificate via the iTax portal.
  2. Accurate Deductions: Calculate and deduct PAYE correctly, factoring in tax bands, statutory deductions (NHIF/NSSF), and reliefs.
  3. Timely Remittance: Submit deducted PAYE to KRA by the 9th day of the following month (e.g., January taxes due by February 9).
  4. Record-Keeping: Maintain payroll records for 5 years, including payslips and P9A forms.
  5. Annual Returns: File P10 forms (monthly PAYE summaries) and issue employees P9A forms by January 31 each year.

Deadlines for PAYE Remittance

  • Monthly PAYE: Due by the 9th of the subsequent month.
  • Annual P9A Forms: Distribute to employees by January 31.
  • Late Filing: Penalties apply even if no PAYE is due (e.g., nil returns).

Penalties for Late/Non-Payment

ViolationPenalty
Late PAYE remittance (1–5 days)5% of the overdue amount.
Late PAYE remittance (6+ months)10% of the overdue amount + 1% monthly interest until paid.
Incorrect deductions10% penalty on under-deducted tax + interest.
Failure to issue P9AKsh 20,000 fine for the employer.

Example: An employer delaying Ksh 100,000 PAYE by 7 days incurs a Ksh 5,000 penalty + Ksh 1,000/month interest.

9. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Can I Claim a PAYE Refund?

Yes, if you’ve overpaid due to:

  • Excessive deductions (e.g., employer errors).
  • Unused reliefs (e.g., mortgage relief not applied).
    How to Claim:
  1. File an IT1 form (annual tax return) via KRA’s iTax portal.
  2. Attach proof (payslips, P9A).
  3. Refunds are processed within 90 days of approval.

2. How Is PAYE Affected by Side Hustles?

  • Employment Income: Taxed under PAYE by your employer.
  • Side Hustles: Taxed separately as business income (if registered) or casual income (withholding tax).
  • Reporting: Declare all income in your IT1 form. Failure to report may lead to penalties (up to 200% of evaded tax).

3. What If My Employer Doesn’t Deduct PAYE?

  • Employee Liability: You’re still responsible for unpaid taxes.
  • Action Steps:
    1. Inform the employer in writing.
    2. Report to KRA via complaints@kra.go.ke.
    3. Pay directly via iTax and claim reimbursement from the employer.

4. How to File Annual Tax Returns (IT1 Form)

  1. Log in to iTax: Visit https://itax.kra.go.ke.
  2. Select IT1 Form: Under “Returns” > “File Income Tax Return.”
  3. Declare Income: Enter employment details, side income, and reliefs.
  4. Attach Documents: Upload P9A, receipts for reliefs (e.g., insurance).
  5. Submit: Deadline is June 30 annually.
    Penalty for Late Filing: Ksh 2,000/month or 5% of tax due (whichever is higher).

Latest Updates on Kenyan PAYE (2023/2024)

1. Changes in Tax Bands & Reliefs

The 2023 Finance Act introduced critical adjustments to Kenya’s PAYE framework:

  • Revised Tax Bands:
    • New Top Tier: Income above Ksh 500,000/month (previously Ksh 388,000) now taxed at 30%.
    • Middle Tier: 25% rate applies to Ksh 32,334 – Ksh 500,000/month (up from Ksh 32,334–388,000).
    • Lower Tiers: Exempt threshold (Ksh 24,000) and 10% band (Ksh 24,001–32,333) remain unchanged.
  • Enhanced Reliefs:
    • Mortgage Relief: Increased deductible interest cap to Ksh 300,000/year (from Ksh 150,000).
    • Insurance Relief: 15% of premiums capped at Ksh 60,000/year (previously Ksh 36,000).

Impact: High-income earners face higher liabilities, while middle-class homeowners benefit from expanded mortgage relief.

2. Impact of Inflation Adjustments

Kenya’s 2023 average inflation rate of 7.7% eroded purchasing power, but tax bands remain not indexed to inflation. This creates bracket creep:

  • Example: An employee earning Ksh 35,000/month in 2022 (taxed at 10%) now earns Ksh 40,000 (adjusted for inflation) but falls into the 25% bracket (Ksh 32,334+), increasing their tax burden despite stagnant real income.
  • KRA’s Stance: No inflation-linked adjustments to tax bands, prioritizing revenue collection over taxpayer relief.

3. KRA’s Digital Initiatives (eTIMS & Beyond)

To streamline compliance and curb evasion, KRA launched:

  1. eTIMS (Electronic Tax Invoice Management System):
    • Mandatory for: All VAT-registered businesses (effective July 2024).
    • Function: Generates real-time, KRA-validated invoices for transactions.
    • PAYE Impact: Employers must integrate eTIMS with payroll systems to auto-report benefits-in-kind (e.g., company cars).
  2. iTax Enhancements:
    • Pre-filled PAYE Returns: Auto-populated using employer-submitted data.
    • Mobile Compliance Certificates: Accessible via KRA M-Service for employees.
  3. Data Integration:
    • Linked with NTSA, banks, and land registries to track undeclared income (e.g., car ownership, rental income).