Kenya athletes threaten boycott over tax

Unpublished
Nairobi - Some of Kenya's top athletes have threatened to stop representing their nation at international competitions like the Olympics over new tax laws. Wesley Korir, an MP and former Boston marathon winner, said athletes would end up paying tax twice as they already pay tax on their winnings abroad. Addressing a forum of athletes in Eldoret, he said athletes only pocket about 15% of their earnings. The move could also see many athletes changing nationality, he said. The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) wants award-wining athletes to pay the top rate of tax - 30% - on their earnings from this month. But addressing the meeting at the University of Eldoret grounds in Kenya's Rift Valley, Mr Korir said the authorities should see the athletes as an asset. "The breakdown for taxation and deductions is as follows: 30 to 35% for the country of origin, 15% for the agent, 10% for the manager, and now the KRA wants to add salt to injury by slapping a 30% tax of that amount," the Reuters news agency quoted him as saying. (FA)

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