Kenya tax rates
Africa · headline statutory rates, 2025 · Above average
In Kenya, the top statutory personal income tax rate is 35% (ranked #45 of 96 countries), the headline corporate income tax rate is 30%, and the standard VAT/GST rate is 16%. Capital gains for individuals are treated as: 15%. Overall it reads as a above average jurisdiction on headline rates — headline rates above the global middle. These are statutory top rates, not the effective tax most people pay, and not tax advice — verify with Kenya's official tax authority.
Source: PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries. Data as of June 2026.
Kenya tax rates at a glance
| Tax | Kenya |
|---|---|
| Top personal income tax rate | 35% |
| Corporate income tax rate | 30% |
| Standard VAT / GST | 16% |
| Capital gains (individuals) | 15% |
| Employee social security | Employee NSSF + SHIF |
Source: PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries. Data as of June 2026.
Headline statutory rates (2025), compiled from PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries and cross-checked against OECD / Tax Foundation data. Rates change — confirm with the official tax authority before relying on them. This is not tax advice.
What these Kenya rates mean
The figures above are headline statutory rates: the top marginal personal income tax rate, the standard (not reduced) VAT/GST rate, and the main corporate rate. The top 35% income tax rate only bites on income above the highest bracket — the effective rate an average earner pays is lower. Consumption is taxed through VAT/GST at 16%, usually with reduced rates on essentials. Always layer in social security (Employee NSSF + SHIF) and any local taxes for a full picture.
How Kenya ranks
| Measure | Kenya | Rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| Top personal income tax | 35% | #45 of 96 |
| Corporate income tax | 30% | #10 of 96 |
| Standard VAT/GST | 16% | #54 of 87 |
Countries with a similar tax level to Kenya
The five countries closest to Kenya on overall headline tax level:
| Country | Top income tax | Corporate tax | VAT/GST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (this country) | 35% | 30% | 16% |
| Mexico | 35% | 30% | 16% |
| Slovakia | 35% | 24% | 23% |
| South Korea | 45% | 25% | 10% |
| New Zealand | 39% | 28% | 15% |
| Puerto Rico | 33% | 37.5% | 11.5% |
Frequently asked questions
What is the income tax rate in Kenya?
The top statutory personal income tax rate in Kenya is 35%. This is the highest marginal rate, which only applies above the top income threshold — most taxpayers pay less. It ranks #45 of 96 countries in our dataset by top rate. Headline rate as of 2025; verify with the official tax authority.
What is the corporate tax rate in Kenya?
Kenya's headline corporate income tax rate is 30%, ranking #10 of 96 by headline corporate rate. Effective rates can differ with incentives, surcharges and local taxes. Verify with the official authority.
Does Kenya have VAT or sales tax?
Yes — the standard VAT/GST rate in Kenya is 16%. Reduced rates often apply to food, medicine and other essentials.
Is Kenya a high-tax or low-tax country?
On headline statutory rates, Kenya looks like a above average jurisdiction — headline rates above the global middle. This is a rough signal from top rates only, not the effective tax an average person or company pays. Tax residency, deductions and treaties change the real picture. Not tax advice.
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Sources & accuracy
Headline rates for Kenya from PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries, cross-checked with the OECD and Tax Foundation. Data as of June 2026; reflects roughly the 2025 tax year. These are statutory headline rates, not effective rates, and this page is general information, not tax advice — verify with Kenya's official tax authority and a qualified adviser before acting. See our methodology and disclaimer.
Last updated: 2026-06-20