The Kenya Publishers Association (KPA) is urging the government to abolish the 16 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) on books in an effort to make reading more accessible to all citizens and foster a knowledge-based economy. At a press briefing ahead of the 25th Nairobi International Book Fair, KPA Chairman Kiarie Kamau emphasized that the tax burden on books is stifling efforts to promote literacy and lifelong learning.
“At 16 percent, VAT makes books prohibitively expensive for many Kenyans,” Kamau stated. “By scrapping this tax, the government can make knowledge more affordable, encouraging the growth of a reading culture and supporting the development of a knowledge-driven economy.”
The call for tax relief comes at a time when Kenya is grappling with increasing costs of education materials, which publishers argue are hampering efforts to improve literacy rates across the country. Kamau further noted that by eliminating VAT on books, the government could significantly lower the cost barrier to education, particularly for lower-income households.
In addition to tax concerns, Kamau condemned the growing problem of book piracy in Kenya, which he says undermines the publishing industry and threatens the livelihood of authors and publishers alike. “We continue to face the challenge of piracy, particularly with digital products being sold at significantly reduced prices on social media,” he said. Kamau confirmed that the KPA would partner with the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) to step up efforts to combat intellectual property theft.
KPA Vice Chairperson Agatha Karani also encouraged Kenyans to attend the upcoming Nairobi International Book Fair, which runs from Wednesday to Sunday at the Sarit Centre in Westlands, Nairobi. The event, now in its 25th year, is expected to draw attention to the importance of books and education in national development.
