I wish people would be engaged with this kind of zeal and fervor on the issue of massive increase in size of government in kenya.The politicians will look for the easiest way out to raise revenue as they expand gvt and increase their perks while killing investments in much needed sectors like housing.Ever heard of the saying "if you want less of something, tax it" This is exactly what the gvt and the people of kenya will get.I have seen people like alma and alibaba defend this move but am sure they are looking at the people who have made a kill in real estate but in the aggregate of the whole population they are the few.So to come out with a punitive 30% tax to get a small majority u end up hurting the majority more because there will be less investment in real estate.
@architect.to suggest that the wealthy should be taxed mercilessly is quite absurd.you must have been a US democrat in another life.When you attack capital and the rich like that,they are smart and they look for places where their capital is treated better.In kenya we need more investment in housing for at least another 10 years to meet the demand.To say that u tax people with the most capital is just not wise.I always ask, has anyone ever been employed by a poor person.Please stop attacking the wealthy, think of a way to get yourself to that level instead.

For those saying that I'm supporting the "new" tax all I can say is that you fall in the bracket of people we call tax evaders or otherwise those going against the law.

So if you've not been paying taxes on your rental property what you should do is go to church this weekend and thank your God coz if this was America, you'd be paying for all those years you illegally refused to pay your taxes.

So lets begin there.

To complain that taxing property owners is as good as a sin is where we shall disagree.

When I see Kenyans visiting America and they start staring at those roads, where the hell do you think the gov't got the money to build those roads? Facebook Ipo?

It was a system that collected taxes from all that were required to by law.

We are on this forum daily complaining about the quality of services from our gov't, kanjo etc...Where in God's name do you think they'll get the funding needed if everyone refuses to pay tax?

But I'm digressing.

I'm not for the figure of 30%, 10% or even 110%. Thats going to be the work of your elected leaders. Of course you will be too busy looking to see if his a jaruo or gikuyu to note that he has the power to change those figures.

Its about the need for a system that works for everyone.

We can't have walalos coming to this country and buying all the land in Eastleigh with pirate money and living free off the sweat of the watchie who's salary is cut to pay paye, nhif, etc.

If you are a landlord, and have never paid your rental tax, then you are as good as that walalo pirate you always complain about.

lipeni ushuru...We may yet build Konza with it.

ITZ: You are wrong when you allege that I'm looking at people who have made a killing in this field.For your info,I'm a landlord and I always paid my taxes on rental income.There is no new tax like you state...only a whole bunch of tax evaders.And I'm only encouraging compliance of tax payments.Let's pay our taxes and build our country.Who do you expect the govt to tax to raise funds to finance security,roads,education etc???? Tulipe ushuru tunjenge Kenya.

ITZ:Even in kenya you itemize.Please familiarize yourself with Income tax Act cap 470.In any case,rental income tax is not new.I don't know why we are arguing over this.Compliance is necessary to prevent kenya going the Greece way!!The bigger the govt,the more the revenue is required.Come on,pay your taxes and I pay mine and we will not go the Greece way.Talking of US and lack of VAT,what a hypocrisy! USA needs VAT more than any other country in the world.Their deficit is frightening.Is that what you want?? Pay up,rental income was taxable even in 1963.>>>Check Cap 470.

@jaggernaut

Ati 30 k the tax is 30 %?

ITZ:I agree with you on US,but about "30% tax on rental income",that reference is a misnomer.It gives an impression like 30% tax is on rental income only.No.30% tax is the maximum Kenyan tax rate and also corporate tax.Is it high? Yes,maybe they should reduce it 25%.But the problem is that clause on gender and 2/3 ratio will be the achilles heel for the kenyan taxpayer.Nominating women MPs until the gender ratio is reached is meaningless and will make kenyan taxpayers have so many MPs.Its unbelievable.But the taxes...there is nothing wrong with taxes:they are a necessary evil.

For Sport:>>There is no such confusion.To avoid tax,keep your money under your pillow--don't invest it.

The New constitution is a 'fuel guzzler'. Whether or not we shall get quality service I don't know. You asked for it, let's stop whining and watch.

actually waiting for the next infrastructure bond. Pretty sure it will be tax free and a painless 12% return. T/bills meanwhile. Withholding tax at just 15%. Dont see why i'd struggle justifying books for a business. Also consider that with rental income, not all your expenses will be 'allowable deductions' for tax purposes

For Sport>>>That is what is called choice.Every investor is free to invest where one deems fit.That is why you find that investors are buying shares at Eveready,etc.And when one guy is selling,another one is buying.While that maybe the "greater fool" theory,all of us think differently and respond to issues differently.That is why when you will be buying TBills,a maasai will be buying cows! Get it?Happy investing!! We need investors in all categories--from Infrastructure bonds,to stocks,to cows.....