STB Campaign to participate at 2024 Strathmore University tax hackathon

This was originally published by Tax Justice Network Africa on the 21 th of March 2024.

The second edition of the Strathmore Tax Research Centre tax hackathon will take place from the 22nd to the 27th March at the Strathmore University Law School. This year’s event is being held under the theme "Expansion of the Tax Base in Kenya" and will feature a total of 9 Kenya universities. The theme underscores the imperative to enhance domestic revenue mobilisation in Kenya and to stop the bleeding of resources by sealing loopholes facilitating Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs).

The hackathon is being supported by the ‘Africa Debt Campaign-Stop the Bleeding’ (STB campaign). The STB campaign seeks to mobilise, organise, and re-awaken advocacy on debt and influence policymakers at country and regional levels on prudent debt management and equitable investment in public services. At the heart of the campaign is citizen action which focuses conversations on the social contract by humanising the debt crisis from the lens of real day-to-day struggles of citizens.

The STB campaign is led by a Pan-African civil society organisations network who have come together at a time when debt servicing and unsustainable debt is adding to the bleeding of Africa’s resources. The organisations include TJNA, Africa Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD); Africa Women's Development and Communication Network (FEMNET); International Trade Union Confederation Africa (ITUC Africa); Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU); Nawi-Afrifem Macroeconomics Collective (Nawi Collective); and Trust Africa (TA).

Taxation stands as the cornerstone of revenue generation for the Kenyan government which has implemented numerous changes to its tax system. However, the resulting complexity has created opportunities for illicit financial flows through tax avoidance and evasion, consequently eroding the tax base. This has exacerbated existing fiscal strains, compelling the government to rely more heavily on borrowing.

The Strathmore Tax Research Centre tax hackathon aims to promote advocacy and scholarship in progressive taxation with the ultimate aim of creating a pool of young African professionals with deep understanding of tax law. During the hackathon, students will have an opportunity to eloquently present solutions to tax challenges through incisive written submissions and skilful oration.