Laikipia Senator John Kinyua has alleged that a motion is being prepared in Parliament seeking to tax commercial activities operated by churches.

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Speaking on Sunday during the church service at the Anglican Church of Kenya, Nyahururu, Kinyua said the proposed measures could target income generated from church-owned commercial ventures, including schools, real estate and hotels.

However, the senator said MPs allied to the opposition will oppose the motion, in what he said is standing in solidarity with the church.

He defended the role of churches in supporting education and other social services, saying religious institutions have made a significant contribution to the country.

📌 What You Need to Know

He cited the Anglican Church of Kenya's sponsorship of more than 735 schools as evidence of the church's longstanding role in the education sector.

"We want to state clearly that there is a motion in Parliament concerning the sponsorship of schools. The ACK, for example, sponsors more than 735 schools. We want to tell the government that the church has its mandate and has performed its role effectively. We will oppose that motion," Kinyua stated.

Kinyua said they would resist any legislation that seeks to undermine the role of the church , warning that the proposed motion would also face opposition from religious leaders.

According to the Senator, any proposed changes must be subjected to public participation before the government can proceed with implementation.

"Before the government does anything, the law must be followed. There must be public participation. Without that, we will declare it null and void," he said.

Under the proposed approach, commercial ventures owned by churches would be treated differently from purely religious activities, with businesses such as schools, property and hospitality ventures potentially subject to applicable corporate taxes.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke