Kenya Tax Revenue
Tax revenue as % of GDP GC.TAX.TOTL.GD.ZS
Kenya's tax revenue was 13.61% in 2025, ranked 81st globally. This represents a 3.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2014–2025.
Overview
Kenya's tax revenue stood at 13.61% in 2025, a decline of +0.45% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 13.61% by 2025. Kenya ranked 81st globally.
Kenya’s tax revenue as a share of GDP fell to 13.61 in 2025, placing the country 81st in the world and marking a modest decline from the all‑time peak of 15.19 recorded in 2014. The downward trajectory accelerated after the 2021 trough of 13.55, suggesting that the fiscal squeeze observed during the pandemic has persisted despite subsequent recovery efforts. Over the 11‑year coverage period, Kenya’s tax effort remains below that of nearby peers such as Togo (13.91) and Malawi (13.41), yet it exceeds Uganda’s 13.37, indicating a relatively competitive but still limited revenue base in the region. Structural constraints, including a large informal sector and limited tax administration capacity, have hampered progress toward higher collection rates. Strengthening compliance mechanisms and broadening the tax net could reverse the recent slide, positioning Kenya for a gradual rise in its tax‑to‑GDP ratio in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Tax Revenue | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 13.44% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 13.61% | - | - |
| 2025 | 13.61% | −0.45% | #81 |
| 2023 | 14.06% | −0.54% | #32 |
| 2022 | 14.60% | +1.04% | #40 |
| 2021 | 13.55% | −0.75% | #46 |
| 2020 | 14.30% | −0.80% | #62 |
| 2019 | 15.10% | +0.74% | #61 |
| 2018 | 14.36% | −0.69% | #56 |
| 2017 | 15.05% | +0.09% | #65 |
| 2016 | 14.97% | +0.13% | #65 |
| 2015 | 14.84% | −0.35% | #63 |
| 2014 | 15.19% | – | #62 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Kenya matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2008. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw tax revenue improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Kenya's tax revenue was 13.61% in 2025. Ranked 81st globally. This represents a 3.2% decrease from the previous year.
Kenya's tax revenue peaked at 15.19% in 2014.
The lowest tax revenue in Kenya was 13.55% in 2021.
Kenya ranks 81st globally in tax revenue as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GC.TAX.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Kenya's tax revenue is projected to reach 13.61% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The tax revenue of Kenya in 2025 was 13.61%. This ranks 81st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_kenya_tax-revenue,
title = {Kenya Tax Revenue},
url = {https://historysaid.com/kenya/tax-revenue/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}