This archive report was first published on 8 November 2019.
On October 7th, the Water Bottlers Association of Kenya (WBAK) held a press conference to express their opposition to the government's plan to impose an excise duty of Ksh5.40 per litre of purified water, effective November 13th.
According to WBAK, the new tax will significantly increase the retail cost of bottled water, with a 20-liter container expected to range from Ksh250 to Ksh350, up to Ksh450 to Ksh550.
WBAK Chairman Henry Kabogo emphasized that the association will pass the extra cost to consumers if the government implements the excise duty.
WBAK, the national body representing bottlers, refillers, and vendors of purified drinking water across the country, has been working closely with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) to ensure compliance with tax and licensing requirements.
Organizing Secretary Simon Wanjohi stated that while many members have complied with regulations, the government has yet to fully address potential setbacks affecting their businesses.
Wanjohi argued that water is a basic human right and that the excise duty will make clean water unaffordable to citizens.
WBAK has also called for enhanced surveillance programs to ensure a level playing field for all businesses.
The association comprises genuine business people committed to complying with KEBS standards and paying taxes to the government.
Collaboration between KRA and WBAK has led to an increase in compliant companies from 181 in 2018 to 445 so far.
