Traditional lounge/living room with sofa, with curtains, and table [Courtesy]The High Court has suspended a new tax increase on imported furniture until a case filed by an activist is heard and determined. Justice Anthony Mrima on Monday stopped the Treasury and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) from imposing 25 per cent excise duty on imported furniture. “This is a unique case that can brew conflict with Kenya’s trading partners within the East African Community and in the premise, the court is satisfied to issue an order suspending imposition of the 25 per cent excise duty on imported furniture as proposed in the Finance Act, 2021,” ruled Mrima. The suit challenging the new tax for imported furniture was filed by activist Okiya Omtatah who argued that it was illegal and unfair to traders engaged in the business. He ruled that since the Finance Act of 2021/2022 had just come into force, there will be no harm caused if the 25 per cent excise duty on imported furniture was suspended until the case is determined.

Source: Standard Digital July 20, 2021 21:00 UTC