Why is KRA imposing tax on gospel tracts?

While I commend the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) for its work of collecting revenue in this country, in some areas the tax agency’s actions leave a bad taste in the mouth. In other words, as much as the agency want to collect tax, it should not bulldoze everyone.

To be precise, I am used to receiving consignments of gospel tracts from a certain Christian organisation in the US. In fact, this has been happening for more than 10 years now. Notably, the gospel tracts are meant for church edification and propagation of gospel.

However, hell broke loose last year and the custom personnel started to charge Sh875 per carton. Paradoxically, the tracts are meant for free distribution by the receiving church or individual and there is no commercial value attached.

Needless to say, the donor attaches a certificate of donation outside the carton requesting that material be allowed into the country without charges. Furthermore, the officers open the carton to ascertain the contents.

From my economics class, the purpose of custom duty is to protect each country’s economy, residents, jobs and environments. It begs the question:do the custom officials understand that there is no commercial value for gospel tracts?

Why impose tax on gospel literature and turn a blind eye on commercial goods? Is gospel literature prohibited in this country? Is Kenya changing from being a religious country?

KRA should stop the current unfriendly and punitive tax regime.