KENYA

Blow for workers as KRA ups benefits tax to 13 per cent.

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has raised the tax on benefits granted to workers by employers, making it the second successive increase of the charge driven by rising market interest rates. The authority has hiked the fringe benefits tax to 13 per cent for benefits given to workers for October, November and December 2023. “For the purposes of Section 12B of the Income Tax Act, the Market Interest Rate is 13 per cent. This rate shall be applicable for the three months of October, November and December 2023,” said KRA in a notice on 31st October 2023

(Daily Nation)

TANZANIA

TZ, Germany turn a new page

President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her German counterpart, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, have agreed to address their shared colonial past aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations. At the State House in Dar es Salaam on 31st October, the two leaders made their commitments shortly after holding bilateral discussions and later briefed the media.

The discussions, according to President Samia, were centred on enhancing ties between Tanzania and Germany, including open negotiations to see how the two nations can agree on the German colonial legacy.

(Daily News)

UGANDA

Tough times for Ugandan diplomats

In a space of two weeks, North Korea and Norway announced they were closing their embassies in Uganda. The announcements came as a blow to Uganda which is always dealing with some kind of diplomatic blowback. A statement from North Korean Ambassador Jong Tong Hak said “Our connections will be continued through Malabo-Equatorial Guinea. Our ambassador will soon present his credentials to you. Our physical absence cannot block our hearts, minds, and souls.” It added “Our good friendship will continue and will be further strengthened and developed. I convey this commitment from my government. I have lived in Kampala for many years. I love Uganda and its people.” North Korea is closed off from many of Uganda’s international development partners but the two countries have maintained close ties. A week earlier, the Kingdom of Norway said it would close its embassy in 2024 citing “structural reforms” of its foreign service.

(The Independent)

ETHIOPIA

Horn leaders urged to consider Ethiopia’s quest for access to the Red Sea

Leaders of the Horn of Africa nations have to consider discussing Ethiopia’s quest for having access to the sea as it would increase the physical-economic growth of the East African region, the American political-economic analyst Lawrence Freeman told ENA. Prime Minister Abiy has given geographical, historical, and economic backgrounds to initiate discussion about Ethiopia’s right to access the sea through peaceful means. The American analyst stated that access to sea not only reinforces the steadily growing import-export trade of the second Africa’s populous nation but will also ensure development in the region.

(ENA)

SUDAN

Key Central Darfur army base ‘falls’ to RSF

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) say they seized control of the base of the 21st Division of the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) in Zalingei, Central Darfur, at 02:00 on Tuesday, 31st October 2023. The claim follows the confirmed capture by the RSF of the important 16th Infantry Division base in the South Darfur capital of Nyala on Thursday, and further reports that the paramilitaries have ‘liberated’ Balila oilfield and airport in West Kordofan.

(Dabanga)