The Digital Service Tax Controversy in Kenya - Part One

TechOver Africa

• Host: Wangari Njathi, Ph.D.
• Guests: Anthony "Anto Neosoul" Mwangi, a digital content creator, Ramah Nyang, a business journalist, and Teddy Ochieng, a tax expert and advocate of the high court.

Key points from the episode:

• The episode focuses on Kenya's digital service tax controversy.
• This episode is part one of two on the subject.
• A detailed discussion about the rise of the digital economy and creative sector in Kenya.
• The panelists discuss how the government's taxation policy is affecting content creators in the country.
• Anthony Mwangi, popularly known as Anto Neosoul, talks about his experience as a digital content creator and shares concerns about what he sees as a potential double taxation issue.
• Ramah Nyang, a business journalist, provides the broader financial and economic perspective behind the tax, talking about the government's increased spending and how this has led to a higher debt burden and, subsequently higher taxes.
• A tax expert, Teddy Ochieng explains the specifics of the finance bill 2023, which increased the digital service tax from 1.5% in 2021 to 3%.
• The guests argue that there is a disconnect between the government and the people it serves, especially in the area of digital content creation.
• The discussion underlines a general sentiment of frustration towards the taxation of digital content creators and a call for more transparency and understanding from the government.