Kenyan Publishers Call for Removal of 16% VAT on Books

Kenyan Publishers Call for Removal of 16% VAT on Books.

Kenyan publishers are calling on the government to eliminate the 16% Value Added Tax (VAT) on books, which they believe has increased the cost of reading materials, making them less accessible.

Kenya Publishers Association (KPA) Chairman, Kiarie Kamau, addressing a media event on Sunday, explained that the VAT has made books more expensive and less affordable for the general public.

He argued that by imposing this tax, the government is placing an unnecessary burden on readers, particularly those from lower-income households.

“At 16%, this tax only serves to make books more expensive, hence unaffordable to the common mwananchi,” said Kamau.

Mr. Kamau urged the government to remove the tax, suggesting that this step would make knowledge more affordable, encourage lifelong learning, and boost the growth of the knowledge economy.

Nairobi International Book Fair Launch

During the same event, the KPA Chairman also announced the launch of the 25th Edition of the Nairobi International Book Fair, which is set to take place at Sarit Centre Expo from Wednesday to Sunday, September 29.

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Mr. Kamau, who also serves as the Managing Director of East African Educational Publishers, highlighted that the government has distributed 150 million free books to public schools nationwide as part of an ongoing initiative to improve educational access.

Addressing Book Piracy

Additionally, he raised concerns about the rising issue of book piracy in Kenya. He emphasized that the KPA, in collaboration with the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO), will continue its efforts to combat this illegal activity, which threatens the publishing industry.

Jomo Kenyatta Prize for Literature

In a related announcement, the KPA revealed the shortlist of 13 books competing for this year’s Jomo Kenyatta Prize for Literature.

The winners will be announced during the KPA Jubilee celebration gala on September 29, coinciding with the final day of the book fair.

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This gathering of publishers and book enthusiasts will mark a key moment in the promotion of literature in Kenya, as the country continues to confront both the challenges and opportunities facing its publishing sector.

Kenyan Publishers Call for Removal of 16% VAT on Books.

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