Hillary Onami

Governance & Public Policy Analyst. Devolution enthusiast. Top 40 under 40 Ke 2022. I decrease that Christ might increase

[Hillary Onami @HillaryOnami]

Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes: we all have the Chance to make the Change

[ICPAK @ICPAK_Kenya]

Congratulations to our overall winner, Tony Mintos 🏆⛳

Your remarkable performance and sportsmanship made this year’s ICPAK #CharityGolfTournament truly memorable. ^CA

[ICPAK @ICPAK_Kenya]

On 21 May 2026, the ICPAK delegation led by Convenor of the Public Finance and Tax Committee, FCPA Robert @KWaruiru, appeared before the Parliamentary Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning to orally present its proposals on the Finance Bill 2026.

In its submission, the Institute highlighted several key concerns and recommendations, including expanded tax obligations on digital payments and proposed changes to the VAT status of various products, the resulting implications for users of digital payment platforms, manufacturers, and consumers. Additionally, the Institute raised concerns regarding several administrative and compliance proposals, including the implications of the proposed timelines for filing tax returns and the expansion of KRA enforcement powers. ICPAK further stressed the need for the Commissioner to bear the burden of proof should an error occur that has been caused by system or data integration while generating pre-populated tax returns.

Additionally, the Institute expressed concern over the Bill’s proposal to reclassify raw materials and inputs used in the manufacture of pharmaceutical products, electric vehicles and bicycles, and locally assembled mobile phones, among others, from zero-rated to VAT-exempt status. The Institute noted that, in the case of locally assembled phones, the proposal would increase the cost of each phone by approximately US$56.

Further, ICPAK proposed increasing the lowest PAYE tax band threshold to KES 30,000 and expanding the PAYE tax bands to ensure that higher tax rates apply only to higher income earners, thereby enhancing the progressivity of the tax system. The Institute argued that the current PAYE bands are too narrow and disproportionately burden lower-income earners. It emphasized that a more progressive tax structure would increase disposable income, improve purchasing power, enhance savings and investment capacity, and ultimately stimulate economic growth.

The Institute also welcomed various proposals in the Bill, including the amendment to the @KRACorporate (KRA) framework under the Tax Procedures Act (TPA) to allow the Commissioner to waive penalties and interest of up to KES 2 million arising from system errors. However, ICPAK recommended increasing this threshold to KES 5 million to ease administrative burdens and unlock cash flow for businesses.

More broadly, the Institute stressed the need to adhere to the Medium-Term Revenue Strategy (MTRS), which advocates, among other measures, for a reduction in PAYE and VAT rates, as well as greater fiscal policy predictability. ICPAK highlighted the recurring annual amendments to items listed under Schedules I and II of the VAT Act, noting that such frequent changes create uncertainty for businesses and investors. In this regard, the Institute proposed that future amendments be guided by data-driven analysis to ensure that tax expenditures deliver the intended economic benefits while also safeguarding the competitiveness of Kenyan manufacturers.

Other members of the delegation present included FCPA @Jabali100, CPA @fredkim2030, CPA Marco Mutua, CPA @RobertMainaKE, CPA Faustin Mwinzi, and members of the ICPAK Secretariat. ^CA

[Institute of Public Finance @ipf_global]

➡️ Happening Today!

💬 X Space on #FinanceBill2026 with @thekhrc x @oxfamkenya

🔔 Set the reminder ↘️

https://t.co/twCxmkj0Oi

Share!

[ICPAK @ICPAK_Kenya]

Deadline Extended! 📢
You now have more time to submit your research papers for the #ICPAK7thResearchConf.

Share innovative ideas, research findings, and thought leadership that will help shape the future of the accountancy profession and broader economic landscape. Scan the Qr Code for more information! ^CA

[ICPAK @ICPAK_Kenya]

The numbers are almost out, but the conversations shaping them start today. 🎙️
Join us LIVE today at 7:30 PM on #ICPAKXSpace for a timely Pre-Budget Analysis discussion unpacking the proposed 2026/27 Budget Estimates and what they mean for Kenya’s economy, businesses, and citizens.

Be part of the conversation: https://t.co/eBLiFtPGDA
#PreBudgetAnalysis #ICPAK #KenyaBudget2026 #PublicFinance @ElizabethK38467
@CeoIcpak @KWaruiru @IchibantaxKE @kahemamuthui @AmbokoJH @MercyMaroma
^CA

[ICPAK @ICPAK_Kenya]

Before the numbers are announced, the conversations that shape them begin. 🎙️

Join us live on ICPAK X Space: https://t.co/fhAIYjTZ3o for a timely and engaging Pre-Budget Analysis discussion on 11th May 2026 at 7:30 PM

This high-level conversation will unpack the proposed 2026/27 Budget Estimates, including:

📌 Proposed national budget of KES 4.82 trillion
📌 Total revenue projections of KES 3.63 trillion
📌 Ordinary revenue projected at KES 2.99 trillion
📌 Fiscal deficit projected at KES 1.11 trillion

Our panel of experts will analyze the numbers, policies, and economic implications for businesses, professionals, and everyday livelihoods.

Featuring insights from ICPAK leadership and public finance experts.
Join the conversation live on X: @ICPAK_Kenya

Don’t miss this important national conversation.

#PreBudgetAnalysis #ICPAK #XSpace #KenyaBudget2026 #PublicFinance #EconomicOutlook
@ElizabethK38467
@CeoIcpak @KWaruiru @IchibantaxKE @kahemamuthui @AmbokoJH @MercyMaroma ^CA

[ICPAK @ICPAK_Kenya]

ICPAK SIGNS MOU WITH THE COUNTY ASSEMBLY OF BUNGOMA.

On April 10, 2026, the Institute marked a significant milestone through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the County Assembly of Bungoma, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening public financial management at the county level.

The Institute delegation was received by H.E. Hon. Emmanuel Situma, the Speaker of the County Assembly of Bungoma, the Clerk of the Assembly, Mr. Charles Wafula, alongside the County Assembly Secretariat.
@ElizabethK38467 @MKinyalili @olivegitau @CeoIcpak @HillaryOnami

[ICPAK @ICPAK_Kenya]

On 4 May 2026, ICPAK held a virtual meeting with the @KRACorporate (KRA) to deliberate on key issues affecting taxpayers while filing the 2025 returns. The session was chaired by Commissioner CPA @GeorgeObel37590 and the Institute’s Chairman CPA Prof. Elizabeth Kalunda @ElizabethK38467

During the meeting, ICPAK PFT Committee Convenor FCPA @KWaruiru, alongside other committee members, raised several concerns including PAYE credits not reflecting on iTax, lack of clarity in verifying and validating instalment adjustment vouchers, absence of a transition mechanism to allow concurrent use of both the new and old systems, duplication in auto-populated data (particularly for zero-rated and exempt supplies), the requirement for a tax agent number, and challenges with the latest system version 17.0.10.

In response, KRA acknowledged the validity of the issues raised and confirmed that efforts are underway to address them. On the system version issue, they advised that taxpayers can use version 17.0.09. The Authority also assured the Institute that all taxpayers will be supported to submit their returns before the due date, and that the highlighted concerns will be resolved ahead of the next meeting.

The meeting was attended by representatives from various KRA departments, members of the ICPAK Public Finance and Taxation Committee, and the ICPAK Secretariat. @HillaryOnami @wakhisi

[ICPAK @ICPAK_Kenya]

On 7th May 2026, ICPAK Pays Courtesy Call to Kisii County Government

The Institute led by its Chairman CPA Prof. @ElizabethK38467, Council Members, and Branch representatives paid a courtesy call to the County Government of Kisii and had fruitful deliberations with the Deputy Governor H.E. Elijah Obebo.
During the meeting, the Chairman encouraged the County Government to work towards attaining an unqualified audit opinion in the coming financial year, noting that the County received qualified audit opinions in FY 2020/21, 2021/22, 2022/23, and 2023/24.

In this regard, the Chairman urged the County to take advantage of the tailor-made training and capacity-building programmes offered by the Institute. She further encouraged the County leadership to appoint qualified accountants to key positions within the County Government to promote prudence in the utilization of public resources.
The discussions also focused on supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) within the county, particularly boda boda riders, to achieve eTIMS compliance through support provided by ICPAK practitioners. It was noted that this initiative would also contribute to increasing the County’s Own Source Revenue (OSR).

On his part, the Deputy Governor challenged the accountants to uphold professionalism and act with courage to deter financial malpractices.

In conclusion, both the ICPAK Chairman and the Deputy Governor emphasized the need to strengthen collaboration between the two institutions through the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Also present during the meeting were ICPAK Council Members FCPA @MKinyalili, CPA Wycliff @CPABichanga, Director of Public Policy and Research @HillaryOnami, representing the CEO, branch leadership led by Branch Chairperson CPA David Okumu and Vice Chairperson CPA Julie Ohore, alongside other branch officials and officers from the Institute.

[ICPAK @ICPAK_Kenya]

How prepared are you for digital, ESG, and cross-border tax challenges? Join us at the Taxation Masterclass 2026 and gain practical skills to navigate complex tax landscapes with confidence. Book your seat now: https://t.co/vDqn3tpY5j #ICPAKTaxationMasterclass #ICPAKCPDEvents ^CA

[ICPAK @ICPAK_Kenya]

"The economy has experienced major structural changes, with informal and self-driven economic activities growing rapidly compared to payroll employment, making income and expenses validation necessary to broaden the tax base and enhance fairness in taxation." CPA @GeorgeObel37590 , @KRACorporate #ICPAKXSpace @AmbokoJH ^CA

[ICPAK @ICPAK_Kenya]

Withholding Tax enhances income visibility.

When tax is deducted at source, KRA already has third-party confirmation of that income.

If it is not declared, the mismatch is immediately traceable.
FCPA
@Kwaruiru
, Chairperson-Public Finance and Tax Committee.
@IchibantaxKE
#ICPAKXSpace
@AmbokoJH
^NO

[ICPAK @ICPAK_Kenya]

"KRA’s use of AI and digital modernisation aims to expand the taxpayer base, streamline processes, and ultimately reduce the tax burden on individual Kenyans. By addressing challenges and incorporating feedback, the goal is to ensure more people pay taxes, rates are manageable, and collected funds are used effectively for the public good." @HillaryOnami, Director, Public Policy and Research ICPAK. @AmbokoJH @KRACorporate #ICPAKXSpace ^CA

[ICPAK @ICPAK_Kenya]

The Institute met with the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (@SASRA_ke) today, 19th February 2026, to discuss areas of mutual interest.

Led by the Council Members, CPA @CPABichanga and CPA Chrispus Mbogo, the @CeoIcpak, CPA Dr Grace Kamau, and the management team, the meeting deliberated on SASRA Guidelines on External Auditor approval, capacity-building initiatives, sustainability-related financial reporting, UDIN implementation within the Sacco sector, and illustrative financial statements for Saccos.

Hosted by CPA David Sandagi, the CEO of SASRA, the meeting agreed to collaborate to ensure consistency in the adoption and application of standards and to advise the market in a united front. @HillaryOnami
@casemeit @MercyMaroma ^CA

[ICPAK @ICPAK_Kenya]

📢 X Space Alert | Happening Tomorrow!

Tax authorities are monitoring more closely than ever. In today’s environment of increased scrutiny, even a single misstep in income or expense validation can lead to hefty penalties and audits.
Join our panel of tax experts @KRACorporate @ElizabethK38467 @CeoIcpak @KWaruiru as they explain the latest regulatory expectations and what they mean for you as a taxpayer.

Set a reminder here: https://t.co/xP1yiXl5ys
@IchibantaxKE @AmbokoJH @HillaryOnami @MercyMaroma ^CA

[Mzalendo @MzalendoWatch]

.@RuthKendagor1 moderates a discussion with a panel comprising Mr Raimond Molenje (CEO, @KenyaBankers), @JanetKNgombalu (Partnerships Lead,@CAID_Kenya) and Hillary Onami (Policy & Research, @ICPAK_Kenya).

#KeDebtReport #FiscalTransparency

[Institute of Public Finance @ipf_global]

🔵 PANEL SESSION

An amazing panel to discuss Kenya's debt sustainability and key reforms GoK should undertake.

📺 Follow live: https://t.co/OH0yVZ69U7

[Institute of Public Finance @ipf_global]

The panel unpacks how Kenyan businesses are struggling to access financing facilities due to high interest rates as a result of GoK borrowing more from the domestic market.

#KeDebtReport

[Institute of Public Finance @ipf_global]

PPPs in Kenya should be transparent and led by negotiators driven by public interest. Already Kenya has a robust legal framework. PPPs if done well would ease our debt burden.

#KeDebtReport

[ICPAK @ICPAK_Kenya]

The submission reviewed the Sessional Paper No. 3 of 2025, and proposed policy recommendations such as the need for a transparent valuation and pricing methodology, impact of the diverstiture on government revenue, potential implications for future privatization initiatives, and the risks of overreliance on foreign portfolio flows, which can increase market volatility and weaken the domestic investor base.
@EstherWamalwa ^CA