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Malawi vs Kenya
Tax Rate Comparison

Enter your income below for a personal tax estimate, then scroll down for full rate breakdowns.

🇲🇼 Malawi
vs
🇰🇪 Kenya
Tax Year:

💰 Personal Income Tax Calculator

Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country — side by side.

Enter your annual income above to see your personal tax comparison →

Individual Income Tax (Top Marginal Rate)

Top Income Tax Rate
0–35%
35% top; IMF program conditions
No change
10–35%
Ruto administration fiscal consolidation; rates stable
No change

VAT / GST / Sales Tax

VAT / GST / Sales Tax
16.5%
16.5% VAT maintained
No change
16%
16% maintained; exemption list under review
No change

Corporate Tax Rate

Corporate Tax Rate
30%
30%; mining sector developing
No change
30%
30% stable; East Africa harmonization discussions
No change

Capital Gains Tax

Capital Gains Tax
30%
30% CGT maintained
No change
15%
15% property CGT unchanged
No change

Social Security & Payroll

Social Security / Payroll
~10%
MASM; pension coverage expanding
No change
~14%
Universal health coverage (SHA) replacing NHIF from 2024
No change
State, Regional & Local Taxes

🇲🇼 MalawiDistrict & City Councils

Malawi's 28 district councils and city/town assemblies levy property rates, trading licences, and local service charges. The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) administers national taxes. Malawi is landlocked and one of the world's poorest countries — highly dependent on tobacco exports (declining due to health campaigns), tea, and sugar, plus significant international aid. An IMF Extended Credit Facility has been supporting fiscal consolidation. The kwacha has experienced significant depreciation, complicating tax bracket real values over time.

🇰🇪 KenyaCounty & Local Authority Taxes

Kenya's 47 counties levy business permits (single business permit), property rates, and various local service charges. County governments have own-source revenue from markets, parking, land rates, and entertainment taxes. The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) administers national taxes. A housing levy of 1.5% of gross salary (employer+employee) was introduced in 2023. The digital service tax (DST) at 1.5% on digital marketplace revenues was replaced by a significant economic presence tax framework.

⚠️ Disclaimer: Rates shown are standard top/headline rates for informational purposes. Actual tax liability depends on income level, residency, deductions, and tax treaties. 2025–2026 data reflects announced or enacted rates and may be subject to change. Not financial or legal advice.

Malawi vs Kenya: Key Tax Differences (2026)

💰 Income Tax: Malawi and Kenya have similar top income tax rates (0–35% vs 10–35%).

🛒 VAT/Sales Tax: Both countries have comparable consumption tax rates (16.5% vs 16%).

🏢 Corporate Tax: Corporate rates are similar in both countries (30% vs 30%).

📈 Capital Gains: 🇰🇪 Kenya taxes investment gains at a lower rate (15% vs 30%), benefiting investors.

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All 🇲🇼 Malawi comparisons →All 🇰🇪 Kenya comparisons →