Kenyans for Tax Justice
KfTJ is a grassroots social movement committed to addressing social and economic injustices in Kenya, with a particular focus on tax policy. It primarily works with marginalized communities in low-income areas and informal settlements, aiming to highlight how these policies, both directly and indirectly, impact their daily lives. The movement collaborates with individuals, networks, and organizations that share a common vision, ensuring that their efforts are driven by the voices, needs, and aspirations of the communities they represent, supported by thorough research and analysis. KfTJ began as a campaign in May 2013, sparked by the introduction of the Value Added Tax (VAT) Bill, which proposed a 16% tax on essential goods such as food, fertilizer, exercise books, mobile phones, sanitary pads, and disability aids. The bill disproportionately affected the most vulnerable, prompting the launch of the ‘No Unga Tax’ campaign 2—unga representing a staple food in Kenya and becoming a powerful symbol of resistance against unjust taxation. This campaign served as the catalyst for the formation of
Kenyans for Tax Justice, uniting progressive individuals and grassroots organizers from various movements, including Bunge la Mwananchi (The People’s Parliament), Bunge la Wamama Mashinani (Women’s Grassroots Parliament), Women Collective Kenya, Disability Focus Africa, Kamukunji Youth Congress, Kenyan Asian Forum, Unga Revolution, and university students. Together, they rallied against unfair taxation policies that burdened the poorest communities
The campaign urged Members of Parliament (MPs) to reject this regressive VAT Bill, as it would exacerbate the struggles of low-income communities. Despite public opposition, the bill passed, but continued pressure from the movement eventually led to amendments exempting basic commodities from VAT. In this ongoing effort, raising awareness about the economic divide and exposing the narrative of the city of London’s intention to transform Kenya into a tax haven created space for open dialogue on tax justice. These discussions, along with critiques of the global 1%, paved the way for a Gen Z-led revolution in 2024. Kenyans for tax justice
https://therules.org/case-studies/noungatax/
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2jj5mee1pmo
Since its inception, KfTJ has made significant progress in challenging unjust tax policies and advocating for fairer systems. By working alongside the communities most affected by these policies, the movement continues to play a critical role in advancing economic justice in Kenya.
