Crystal Asige questions KRA over new tax rules for Persons with Disabilities
Nominated Senator Crystal Asige has challenged the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) over proposed tax exemption rules for persons with disabilities, warning that the changes could undermine rights and increase the financial burden on affected families. In a post shared on her X account on Thursday, November 12, 2026, Asige criticised provisions in the Draft Income […]
Nominated Senator Crystal Asige has voiced her opposition to new tax rule proposals by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) that would exempt persons with disabilities from paying taxes. In a post on her X account, Asige raised concerns that the Draft Income Tax (Persons with Disabilities, Parents or Guardians Tax Exemptions) Regulations, 2026 could undermine the rights of people with disabilities and place an additional financial strain on their families.
The regulations, according to Asige, improperly classify disabilities and introduce varying levels of tax relief based on the severity of a disability, which she argues unfairly disadvantages those with milder impairments. One of her main disputes is Regulation 10(2), which she believes creates different exemption levels based on the nature of a person's disability, with some people qualifying for partial relief while others receive full exemptions.
Asige contends this approach risks disadvantaging those whose disabilities are classified as mild and calls for a more equitable approach that does not prioritize certain disabilities over others. Additionally, the senator questions a proposed Ksh1,000 processing fee for parents or guardians seeking tax exemptions for children with severe disabilities, arguing that this requirement conflicts with the newly enacted Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025, which she says explicitly abolished such fees.
The draft regulations also mandate that parents or guardians of individuals with severe disabilities provide proof of financial need once every five years, a stipulation Asige contends would impose undue hardship and inconvenience. She stresses that being permanently disabled should not require ongoing financial verification to maintain access to benefits.
KRA has invited public input on the draft regulations until November 24, 2026, with the goal of establishing procedures to implement tax exemptions outlined in the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025.
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