- Host: Wangari Njathi, Ph.D.
- Guests: Anthony "Anto Neosoul" Mwangi, a digital content creator, Ramah Nyang, a business journalist, and Teddy Ochieng, a tax expert and advocate of the high court.
Key points from the episode:
- The episode focuses on Kenya's digital service tax controversy.
- This episode is part one of two on the subject.
- A detailed discussion about the rise of the digital economy and creative sector in Kenya.
- The panelists discuss how the government's taxation policy is affecting content creators in the country.
- Anthony Mwangi, popularly known as Anto Neosoul, talks about his experience as a digital content creator and shares concerns about what he sees as a potential double taxation issue.
- Ramah Nyang, a business journalist, provides the broader financial and economic perspective behind the tax, talking about the government's increased spending and how this has led to a higher debt burden and, subsequently higher taxes.
- A tax expert, Teddy Ochieng explains the specifics of the finance bill 2023, which increased the digital service tax from 1.5% in 2021 to 3%.
- The guests argue that there is a disconnect between the government and the people it serves, especially in the area of digital content creation.
- The discussion underlines a general sentiment of frustration towards the taxation of digital content creators and a call for more transparency and understanding from the government.
What is TechOver Africa?
Welcome to TechOver Africa with Wangari Njathi. One woman’s take on the Story of the Rising Digital Economy in Africa. We talk with the expert guests on all things tech. Is the technological uptake in Africa all good, all bad, or in between. Join me as I examine, interrogate, analyze and make sense of policies that guard our interests. Disruption can be messy, where will we be when the dust settles?