AU Commission Sounds Alarm Over Kenya Tax Protests

Statement on the Situation in Kenya: Protests and Tax Measures Affecting Vulnerable Citizens [PDF]

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), through Honorable Commissioner Solomon Ayele Dersso, has voiced serious concerns over recent developments in Kenya regarding a proposed tax bill. Reports indicate that the Kenyan government’s move to introduce new tax measures has sparked widespread public unrest, leading to protests on June 18 that resulted in the arrest of over 300 individuals.

In the statement issued on Wednesday, the Commission has emphasized that peaceful protest is a right protected under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and urged the Kenyan authorities to respect this fundamental freedom. The protests reflect the distress caused by the tax measures, which many Kenyans believe will exacerbate economic hardships amid rising costs of living, stagnant wages, and high unemployment, says the Commission.

In addition to the tax concerns, the ACHPR expressed alarm over a provision in the finance bill allowing the Kenya Revenue Authority to access individuals’ financial records without a warrant or prior notice. This move, the Commission warned, sets a dangerous precedent for government overreach and violates fundamental principles of privacy and civil liberties.

The Commission has called on the Kenyan government to engage in inclusive dialogue with stakeholders, explore alternative financial measures, and ensure the protection of socio-economic rights and personal data. The Commission also demanded the immediate release of those arrested during the peaceful protests and stressed the importance of upholding human rights in the implementation of economic policies.