Kenya introduces bill on crypto taxation

Kenyan lawmakers are eyeing the regulation of crypto trading and introduction of crypto taxation among other regulatory moves, according to a report highlighting the latest crypto news from the East African country.

According to a report published by a local media outlet on Monday, 21 November, an amendment to the Capital Markets Law has been introduced in the National Assembly and its adoption could see the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) begin to tax crypto users.

Kenya eyes crypto taxation

As proposed in the Capital Markets (Amendment) Bill 2022, anyone who transacts using digital currencies should be subject to taxation, with income tax and capital gains applicable as stipulated under the law.

If it passes, the legislation could see digital currencies held for less than a year attract income tax, while capital gains tax would apply when the taxpayer holds the crypto for more than a year.

The amendment also seeks to define digital currencies, including what happens with their trading and creation through mining. The bill’s sponsor, Abraham Kirwa, Member of Parliament for Mosop Constituency, said in a statement:

“The amendment will also outline responsibilities of persons or businesses trading in digital currencies, provide for its taxation, ownership and provide for promotion of innovation in this area.”

Kenya is one of the countries with the fastest-growing adoption rates of cryptocurrencies, with recent data by the UN showing more than 4 million Kenyans own, use or trade crypto.