Training Kenya's Tax Appeals Tribunal
March 2024 began on a high note for us at CFS. Our team led the training of Kenya’s Tax Appeals Tribunal members (29 Jan to 2 Feb). Our training focused on domestic taxation, statutory interpretation and tax judgement writing. This is the first part of the training with several more on advanced taxation which will be taught together with our partners International Lawyers Project (ILP) in the next months. The purpose of the training was to advance the technical understanding of members of the TAT in these areas. Industry experts were also invited to the training to share tax as practised with the participants.
Joint Workshop with UNCTAD to Support the Young Scholars Initiative
On 6-7 September 2024 we kicked off our CFS workshop in partnership with UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)’s Young Scholars Initiative. We hosted 16 African researchers to share their works under the theme state, society and economy. We had excellent panels framed around country case studies with intervention from Lyla Latif, PhD Parita Shah Joan A. Atim Radha Upadhyaya Fadhel Kaboub, Geraldine Sibanda and Thereza Reis.
Snippet: Closing remarks delivered by Dr. Radha Upadhyaya
UN Tax Convention
On April 23rd, 2024, we brought together a powerhouse panel of experts, including Nara F. Monkam Alex Cobham Lurit Yugusuk and Mukasiri Sibanda to dissect what the 'The UN Tax Convention' as A New Path for Global Tax Fairness should take into consideration. Moderated by Polycarp Okumu this discussion was an exploration of what a truly inclusive and equitable global tax regime could look like.
Roundtable on the Fiscal Scene in Kenya
On 9 December 2024 we hosted an invigorating roundtable meeting that brought together a dynamic mix of thinkers, practitioners, and advocates to set the fiscal scene we are witnessing today. 25 participants gathered physically on an open-air rooftop to exchange ideas, challenge conventions, and reimagine the future of taxation and fiscal governance. Participants also joined us remotely from Ghana, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Mauritius adding a global dimension to this vibrant hybrid session.
The roundtable delved into pressing fiscal issues that disrupt economies worldwide, examining not just the challenges but the opportunities they present. Discussions ranged from international taxation and the proposed UN Framework Convention on Tax to carbon border adjustment mechanisms (CBAM) and their implications for environmental sustainability. Domestic resource mobilization (DRM) was a critical focus, with participants exploring the untapped potential of Africa’s informal sector, the possibilities presented by digitalization, and the urgency of strengthening Africa’s credit rating agencies. The complex interplay of debt and development financing also took center stage, particularly in the context of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) and beneficial ownership transparency.
An essential thread through all discussions was the role of storytelling and journalism in tax advocacy. The power of a well-told narrative to build public trust and shape policy was acknowledged as an indispensable tool for advancing progressive taxation.
In a deliberate move to break the intensity of intellectual discussions, the session featured a sign language learning event. This exercise symbolised the importance of communication and inclusion, reinforcing the event’s overarching message: fiscal governance must be human-centered. It was a lively and engaging interlude, reminding participants of the need to make complex fiscal issues accessible to all.