Effects of Transfer Pricing on Tax Liability for Multinational Enterprises in Kenya’s Cement Industry

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between transfer pricing and tax liability in Kenya’s cement industry. The dependent variable of tax liability was examined against independent sub-variables namely; business models, thin capitalization, tax haven utilization and intra-company payments. Using longitudinal research design, the study examined relationships between the independent and dependent variables tracked over a 10 year period starting 2005. Out of the 6 companies in the industry, the study targeted 3 companies using purposive sampling on the basis of availability of annual financial statements and affiliation to a multinational company. Quantitative data collected for this study was analyzed by both descriptive and inferential. Data presentation was then done using tables, charts and graphs. Content analysis was used for qualitative data and presentation done in prose form. Correlation and univariate linear regression analysis was done to establish existing relationships between the dependent variable and independent variables of interest. It was concluded that tax paid over the 10-year period had not been affected by business models in existence; thin capitalization practices; tax haven utilization and intracompany payments. This study therefore recommends that the tax authorities should channel resources towards studying and assessing other forms of transfer pricing abuse likely to yield better tax results than the four variables studied herein.