The government plans to intensify revenue collection from landlords through a crackdown on unlicensed property agents.
Through the Estate Agents Registration Board (EARB), the state will in the coming days begin reigning in unlicensed property agents.
Lack of proper database has made it difficult for the government to ensure landlords contribute their fair share of taxes, which has seen the government miss its revenue targets from landlords over the years.
For instance, for the year 2022 the state recorded a shortfall of Sh27 billion in revenue from residential rental income taxes compared to initial projections.
“In order for the EARB to continue protecting the interest of the public and enhance professionalism in the real estate sector, consumers are advised to deal with registered estate agents only” EARB said in a notice by the registrar Hellen Abuya.
KRA has identified landlords as high net-worth individuals with high potential for growing revenue.
In January 2024, KRA revised the taxation framework and raised the rate that landlords will pay as taxes.
The taxman raised the rate of tax to 7.5 percent; effective from January 1, on the gross rent received and is final tax.
It noted that no expenses, losses or capital deductions are allowed for deduction from the gross rent.
However, this has still been a challenge for the government, despite the tax authorities introducing the latest modifications.
The latest move follows National Treasury’s directive last month to expand its team of property agents to assist KRA in tackling tax evasion among landlords, particularly due to significant shortfalls in rental tax collections.
The Estate Agents Act requires practitioners to register with the board and be issued with an annual practicing certificate.
A person practicing without the registrations faces a fine of as much as Sh20, 000 or a jail term of up to two years or both upon conviction under the law.
EARB said registration of estate agents is open to full members of the Institution of Surveyors of Kenya practising in valuation and estate management, building and land management, or a holder of a degree, diploma, or license from a university or college recognised by the board.
The Kenya Wildlife Service celebrated the successful transfer of 21 eastern black rhinos to establish a new viable breeding population for the species that was on the brink of extinction decades ago.
In an 18-day exercise executed by highly trained capture and veterinary experts, the Loisaba Conservancy received the 21 rhinos from three different locations, becoming the 17th sanctuary in Kenya where the mammoth animals can roam and intermingle.
“It’s incredibly exciting to be part of the resettlement of rhinos to a landscape where they’ve been absent for 50 years,” said Tom Silvester, CEO of Loisaba Conservancy.
Kenya had 20,000 black rhinos in the 1970s before poachers decimated them for their horns. By the time the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) was established in 1989, rhino numbers had declined to below 400.
Since then, Kenya’s eastern black rhinos have made a remarkable comeback and today there are an estimated 1,004 individuals.
Kenya is a stronghold of the eastern sub species of black rhino, hosting approximately 80 percent of the entire world’s surviving population.
“Surpassing the milestone of 1,000 rhinos within four decades is a significant accomplishment,” said Munira Bashir, Director of The Nature Conservancy in Kenya.
The reintroduction this month of these 21 animals this month is a great milestone in Kenya’s rhino recovery action plan, and was made possible by support from The Nature Conservancy, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, other partners—and the three reserves from where the 21 rhinos originated, Nairobi National Park, Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Lewa Conservancy.
“In the recent past, one of the main causes of mortality of rhinos has been territorial fights due to limited space in sanctuaries which has also led to suppressed growth rates due,” explained Dr. Erustus Kanga, the Director General of Kenya Wildlife Service. “I am elated to be associated with this momentous effort to secure more space for this cornerstone species.”
RHINO GOOD NEWS: Specially-Trained Dogs Have Saved 45 Rhinos From Poachers in South Africa—And Counting
Meanwhile, southern white rhinos continue to thrive in Kenya, having increased from 50 individuals that were imported from South Africa in the eighties and nineties to reach the current population of 971 individuals.
Kenya is also playing a critical role in efforts to save the northern white rhino from extinction, as it is host to the only remaining two females of the species left in the world. The international BioRescue project has developed thirty embryos awaiting implantation into surrogate females within the closely-related subspecies of southern white rhino.
“The return of black rhinos to Loisaba, 50 years after the last known individual here was killed by poachers in the 1970s, is a demonstration of how impactful partnerships between governments and conservation NGOs can be for restoring, managing, and protecting our natural world,” said Dr. Max Graham, CEO and Founder of Space for Giants, one of the project partners.
ALSO: Zero Rhinos Poached in Kenya 3 Years Ago – Better Policing is One of the Keys
“And, of course, the return of black rhinos here gives all of us one of the most precious commodities of all: hope.”
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ANI |
Updated: Jan 20, 2024 18:18 IST
PNN
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 20: UniHealth Consultancy Limited. (NSE – UNIHEALTH), a global healthcare service provider, has entered a service agreement with North Coast Healthcare Solutions Limited in Kenya, marking a significant stride in global healthcare infrastructure development.
The collaboration focuses on providing detailed design consultancy for Links Hospital, a visionary 200-bed tertiary care multi-specialty hospital in Mombasa, Kenya. Planned on a land parcel spanning 43,000 square feet, Links Hospital aims to be a healthcare landmark with a proposed built-up area exceeding 2 lac square feet.
Leveraging expertise from successful projects in India and Africa, UniHealth will play a crucial role in translating Links Hospital‘s vision into a state-of-the-art facility. Services include project planning, architectural design, interior design, and space optimization, emphasizing sustainability and patient-centric environments.
UniHealth’s success stories showcase its innovative approach to healthcare design, incorporating the latest technology while adhering to international standards. This positions UniHealth as a key partner in shaping Links Hospital into a leading institution in Kenya. The collaboration responds to global healthcare challenges, aiming to transform facilities into more accessible, sustainable, and responsive entities. UniHealth commits to working closely with North Coast Healthcare Solutions Limited for the successful realization of Links Hospital, marking a shared vision for global healthcare excellence.
Commenting on the performance, Dr Akshay Parmar, Founder & Managing Director of UniHealth Consultancy said, “This collaboration marks a significant stride towards enhancing global healthcare infrastructure. UniHealth’s innovative approach, incorporating advanced technology and adhering to international standards, positions it as a key player in shaping Links Hospital into a leading institution in Kenya. This collaboration not only addresses current healthcare challenges but also signifies a dedication to making healthcare more accessible, sustainable, and responsive on a global scale.
This service agreement exemplifies UniHealth’s dedication to elevating healthcare infrastructure globally. UniHealth being the preferred consultant opted for by North Coast Healthcare Solutions Limited is a testament to the recognition of company’s expertise in designing cutting-edge healthcare facilities. We are thrilled to contribute to the development of Links Hospital, setting new benchmarks for healthcare excellence in Kenya.”
(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)