KRA Strikes New Deal Targeting Millions of Money Earned by Athletes in Races

The government has struck a deal with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) regarding millions of money won by athletes participating in races abroad.

In a new arrangement, the KRA and the Ministry of Sports have agreed to end double taxation on money athletes earn after competing in races abroad.

"The government has struck a deal with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to end what athletes have considered double taxation upon winning any sports competitions abroad," the Ministry of Sports announced.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba announced the new taxation policy following a meeting with various sports officials.

The CS noted that his ministry worked closely with KRA to mitigate the issue for athletes who achieve success on the international stage, with the sole aim of shielding Kenya’s top brand ambassadors and ensuring that their hard-earned winnings are not diminished by excessive taxes.

“By advocating for this cause, my Ministry strives to uphold principles of fairness and equity, recognizing the dedication and sacrifices made by athletes,” explained CS Ababu.

The Cabinet Secretary stressed that this effort aligns with the Ministry's Talanta Hela goal of nurturing sporting talents through effective partnerships, creating a supportive environment for athletes to excel on and off the field.

“This underscores the government's commitment to realize the Talanta Hela vision of not only celebrating talents but also transforming them into tangible monetary value towards empowering athletes to maximize their potential and contribute to Kenya's sporting legacy,” he insisted.

The move comes as a relief to athletes especially as the 2024 season is expected to gain momentum including participation in the Paris Olympics and other major races.