South Africa vs Kenya
Tax Rate Comparison
Enter your income below for a personal tax estimate, then scroll down for full rate breakdowns.
💰 Personal Income Tax Calculator
Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country — side by side.
Individual Income Tax (Top Marginal Rate)
VAT / GST / Sales Tax
Corporate Tax Rate
Capital Gains Tax
Social Security & Payroll
🇿🇦 South Africa — Provincial & Municipal Taxes
South Africa's 9 provinces do not levy their own income tax — this is national. Municipalities levy property rates (0.5%–2.5% of assessed value/year), utilities, and refuse levies. Cape Town and Johannesburg have relatively higher municipal rates. Load-shedding prompted energy-related tax credits in recent budgets.
🇰🇪 Kenya — County & 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.
South Africa vs Kenya: Key Tax Differences (2026)
💰 Income Tax: 🇿🇦 South Africa has a higher top income tax rate (18–45% vs 10–35%). 🇰🇪 Kenya is more favourable for high earners.
🛒 VAT/Sales Tax: Both countries have comparable consumption tax rates (16% vs 16%).
🏢 Corporate Tax: 🇿🇦 South Africa offers a lower corporate rate (27% vs 30%), which can influence business location decisions.
📈 Capital Gains: 🇰🇪 Kenya taxes investment gains at a lower rate (15% vs 18%), benefiting investors.