PUBLIC PARTICIPATION OF THE FINANCE BILL, 2024 ON THE ICT SECTOR; 20th – 22nd MAY 2024.
Greetings from KICTANet!
As a leading advocate for ICT policy and regulation, *KICTANet* is
dedicated to fostering collaboration and promoting an enabling environment
in the ICT sector. With our strategic objectives focused on effective
multi-stakeholder participation, we are committed to engaging with
stakeholders like you to ensure robust, rights-based policies.
We are reaching out to invite you to participate in the *three-day moderated
online mailing list discussion *regarding the* Finance Bill, 2024 (National
Assembly Bills No. 30 of 2024). This bill contains c*rucial proposals
related to revenue-raising measures, including the digital service tax,
liability and collection of taxes. Your insights and contributions are
vital as we navigate these proposals and their potential impact on the ICT
sector.
The discussion will take place on the KICTANet mailing list from *Monday,
May 20th to Wednesday, May 22nd* . Each day of the discussion will focus on
specific aspects of the Finance Bill, 2024, allowing us to delve into its
provisions and implications.
We encourage you to review the Finance Bill, 2024 link attached and the
template format of submission of the memorandum. We shall include a matrix
presentation outlining our concerns and proposals regarding relevant
provisions of the Finance Bill, 2024. Your feedback and perspectives are
invaluable as we work towards promoting policies that support a thriving
ICT ecosystem.
www.parliament.go.ke/sites/default/files/2024-05/Finance%20Bill%2C%202024.pdf
Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not
hesitate to reach out to [email protected] . We are eager to hear
your thoughts and insights on this crucial matter.
Thank you for your continued support and participation. We look forward to
engaging with you in this discussion.
Sincerely,
Linda Gichohi.
*Kenya ICT Action Network.*
FINANCE-BILL-2024-SUBMISSION-TEMPLATE.docx
On 22/05/2024 07.45, Linda Wairure via KICTANet wrote:
Many businesses already are over-burdened with compliance. Not all
businesses have a fully digitized workflow – some businesses use barter
and do not use cash let alone electronic cash.
Information about exact items purchased, for what price and from whom
might also constitute confidential business data that may be of great
interest to business competitors. What protective measures have been
put in place in the event of a data breach?
A period of adjustment and public sensitization on the process are
required. Some example viewpoints from experiences in other countries
include:
www2.deloitte.com/my/en/pages/tax/articles/e-invoicing-updates.html
blog.summitto.com/posts/invoice_reporting_vs_confidential_reporting/
publications.iadb.org/publications/english/document/Electronic-Invoicing-in-Latin-America.pdf
tax.thomsonreuters.com/blog/e-invoicing-and-tax-compliance-in-an-increasingly-complex-ever-changing-world/
Simplifying procedures and integrating them with local business
practices may lead to increased tax revenue.
How will confidential business data be protected?
This may require international harmonization.
A more comprehensive recycling plan is needed, including management of
biodegradable waste, plastics and other non-biodegradable waste as well
as industrial chemical waste.
While the intent seems good, the proposed implementation of a fixed
amount for a device, irrespective of the size of the device, does not
seem aligned with recycling or disposal costs.