How gold is priced in Kenya
Kenyan jewellers price gold per gram by karat, mostly 18K for jewellery and 24K for bars, while bullion is quoted per ounce. The figures here are the international spot price converted at today's USD/KES rate — the metal value before VAT, workmanship and the dealer's margin.
VAT and import duty
Kenya's standard VAT rate is 16%, and jewellery bought from a VAT-registered business normally carries it; gold has no special VAT regime for retail buyers. Imported jewellery also pays customs duty under the East African Community common external tariff.
The Central Bank and local gold
The Central Bank of Kenya (Amendment) Act, 2026, signed on 6 July 2026, gives the CBK explicit power to buy, sell, import, export and hold gold and other precious metals as part of its reserves. The government plans for the CBK to buy locally mined gold in shillings, and in April 2026 it proposed routing all gold exports through a single agency to curb smuggling. Most local gold comes from artisanal and small-scale mines in western Kenya. Retail prices still follow the international price and the shilling exchange rate.
Beware of "gold deals"
Kenya has a long history of fake-gold scams, in which buyers are offered large quantities of "gold" or gold dust below the world price. Genuine gold never sells far below the live price on this page. Buy from established jewellers or licensed dealers, ask for the karat and weight on the receipt, and have large purchases assayed.
Tax and duty information last reviewed October 2026. Rules change — confirm with your dealer or tax authority before a large purchase.