馃嚢馃嚜KenyaEast Africa
Three Kenyans petition parliament to exempt condoms from VAT
via Tuko5 min read
Three Kenyans have petitioned the National Assembly of Kenya to remove Value Added Tax VAT on prophylactics, arguing that the 16% tax undermines preventive healthcare. John Wangai, Peter Agoro, and Anthony Manyara submitted the petition, stating that the current tax classification treats condoms as ordinary medical devices rather than essential public health supplies. They contend that the tax increases the cost of procurement for government programs, non-governmental organizations, and private consumers, creating financial barriers that limit access, particularly for vulnerable groups. The petitioners link the cost of condoms to low usage rates and highlight the broader consequences of limited access, including a rise in teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. National survey data indicates low prophylactic use among individuals with multiple intimate partners. The petition proposes an amendment to the Value Added Tax Act to either zero-rate or fully exempt condoms from VAT. The Office of the Clerk has confirmed receipt of the petition and forwarded it to the Departmental Committee of Finance and National Planning for consideration.
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Kansai Plascon Kenya has launched the Wallcover K'Ogalo Edition, a limited-edition paint product designed to fund Gor Mahia's 2026/27 CAF Champions League campaign. A percentage of the proceeds from each sale of this special variant of Plascon Trade Wall Cover Emulsion will directly support the club's continental participation. Gor Mahia Chairman Ambrose Rachier and Kansai Plascon Managing Director Enami Kota spoke at the launch. Kota stated that the partnership aims to invest in a legacy that inspires millions of Kenyans, allowing supporters to contribute directly to the club's future. Rachier welcomed the initiative, highlighting it as a model for sustainable football development and emphasizing that supporters' purchases will play a tangible role in the club's continental journey. The product packaging features Gor Mahia's green-and-white colors and championship-inspired graphics, celebrating their 2025/26 Football Kenya Federation Premier League title win. The campaign operates under the theme "Champions on the Pitch. Champions in Every Home."
Nairobi City County has officially gazetted the Development Control Policy 2026, a significant step in Governor Johnson Sakaja鈥檚 efforts to bring order to the capital鈥檚 rapidly expanding built environment and control unplanned developments. This policy establishes a comprehensive legal and planning framework to guide the approval of buildings and land developments in the city. Governor Sakaja stated that the policy replaces fragmented planning approaches with a clear and predictable development framework, aiming to protect residential neighborhoods, public spaces, and the environment while promoting sustainable investment. The new policy will guide development approvals through defined zoning regulations, building height limits, density controls, environmental safeguards, and infrastructure capacity. New developments will also be aligned with the availability of essential services such as water, sewerage systems, and road networks. The framework was developed with extensive public participation, involving resident associations, professionals, developers, and local communities. Sakaja described the policy as a key pillar of his administration鈥檚 vision for a well-planned, modern, and livable capital city, ensuring orderly and sustainable growth that benefits all residents. The gazettement follows the policy鈥檚 approval by the Nairobi City County Assembly and fulfills the county鈥檚 commitment to establish an enforceable development control framework. The policy is expected to stre
Must ReadDuring the closing hours of the Ol Kalou Constituency parliamentary by-election on Thursday, July 16, hooded armed men attacked journalists and fired teargas at voters. Incidents occurred at Ol Kalou Comprehensive School and AC Primary School, where masked individuals, some armed and in unmarked vehicles, clashed with crowds. Radio Africa Group's Enos Teche was physically assaulted and had his camera seized by hooded men arriving in a convoy of five Toyota Prado SUVs and a smaller vehicle outside Ol Kalou Comprehensive School. Witnesses reported police officers were present but did not intervene. Teche was also affected by teargas launched by the hooded men to disperse a crowd. NTV cameraman George Kieru's equipment was also confiscated at the same location. At AC Primary School, a separate group of hooded men confronted youths, and teargas was reportedly fired from their escort vehicles. Videos showed masked individuals with guns in a Toyota Land Cruiser, attempting to disperse people outside polling stations, and men with batons pursuing members of the public, with claims of election interference. A police Land Cruiser was also seen moving through crowds outside Ol Kalou Comprehensive School. Voters stated they remained outside polling stations after casting ballots to safeguard the results.