Petition For Tax Remission On Bibles and Printed Christian Literature (Reference: VAT Act 2013) By Forum of Bible Agencies in Kenya (FOBA-K)

MEMORANDUM

THE  CHAIRMAN,

 FINANCE PLANNNING AND TRADE COMMITTEE,

 KENYA     NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

 PARLIAMENT ROAD

 2^nd DECEMBER, 2013

SUBJECT:  Petition For Tax Remission On Bibles and Printed Christian Literature (Reference: VAT Act 2013) By Forum of Bible Agencies in Kenya (FOBA-K)

Introduction.

The Undersigned Bible Agencies take note of the VAT ACT 2013, gazetted on 16^th August 2013 and wish to draw your attention to the impact of the imposition of the 16% VAT on BIBLES and related Christian Literature with a view of petitioning for its removal. 

The Agencies mandate:

The Forum of Bible Agencies Kenya (FOBA-K) is a voluntary association of nonprofit Bible Translation, Distribution and Bible Use Agencies with the desire for increased cooperation in the translation, distribution and the promotion of the use of the Holy Scriptures.

FOBA K was established in January 2003. The current Members are Bible Society of Kenya (BSK), Scripture Union of Kenya (SUK), Bible Translation and Literacy (BTL), Bible League Kenya (BLK), Biblica Kenya, Global Recordings (GR), Lifewords and Theo Vision International.

To undertake their work, the Agencies depend on the financial support of the Churches and individuals. The agencies being non-profit organizations have been appreciative beneficiaries of the Income tax Exemptions granted by Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

Impact of the  16% VAT on the Bible Work:

1. The application of Value Added Tax of 16% has increased the price of Bibles beyond the reach of the most needy some of whom are unable to pay even the subsidized price and whom the Agencies have to give free Bibles and Bible Resources. The Agencies seek to make the Bible and Bible Resources as affordable as possible, to encourage both spiritual growth and strengthening of moral values which would address negative vices which include negative ethnicity and corruption among others.
2. In the course of our work we do give a lot of Bibles and other scripture materials to the needy in society. These include prisons and other correctional facilities. We are concerned that we are now required to remit VAT on these free ministry resources that go a long way to help the government in shaping moral values in these institutions. 
3. We believe that the enhancement of Biblical Christian moral values help to achieve the aspiratiosn of vision 2030; of vision 2030; pillar number 2 which envisages a just and cohesive society. These Agencies are currently working on a program which cascades these values to primary schools in Kenya and the Bible is a critical tool to achieving this objective. To increase its price will peat it against educational literature which parents can ill afford.

Petition:

It is for this reason that we seek for the review of the VAT ACT 2013 to exempt Bibles and Bible resources from taxation. The exemption will enable the Agencies continue making the Bibles affordable to the Kenyan Society through translation, distribution and scripture use.

We look forward to your positive consideration on this matter.

Yours Faithfully,

The Agencies

• Bible Society of Kenya (BSK: General Secretary – Elizabeth Muriuki (Mrs)

• Scripture Union of Kenya: National Director – Nancy Kahuthia (Mrs)

• Bible Translation and Literacy: General Secretary – Peter Munguti (Rev)

• Biblica Kenya: National Director – Lydia Munene (Mrs)

• Lifewords: National Director – Samwel Kamore (Mr)

• Global Recordings: National Director – Winston Omenya (Mr)

• Bible League Kenya: National Director – Patrick Mugo (Rev)

• Theo Vision International: National Director – Helen Etyang (Mrs)

Dated this day of 2^nd December;  2013