Nakuru Resident Advocates for Taxation of Churches

In a groundbreaking move that has sparked discussions nationwide, Nakuru resident Magare Gikenyi has taken the initiative to address what he perceives as an issue of societal fairness.

Gikenyi recently filed a petition at the High Court in Nairobi, seeking to eliminate the tax exemptions currently enjoyed by churches under the Income Tax Act.

The heart of Gikenyi's argument lies in the belief that the tax burden should be shared equitably among all Kenyans and sectors of the economy.

He contends that the existing provisions, particularly Section 13 of the Income Tax Act, are not only discriminatory but also in direct contradiction with the principles outlined in the Constitution.

Gikenyi's petition challenges the long-standing practice of granting tax exemptions to religious institutions, asserting that it perpetuates an uneven distribution of the financial responsibility that supports the functioning of the state.

By questioning the constitutionality of Section 13, he aims to initiate a critical examination of the system that allows certain individuals and entities, in this case, churches, to be exempted from taxation.

The petitioner's stance underscores a broader concern about the intersection of religious institutions and financial responsibilities within the Kenyan context. Gikenyi advocates for a reevaluation of the current tax landscape, proposing a more inclusive approach that considers the financial contributions of all sectors.