Effect of Corporate Governance on Tax Aggressiveness Among Firms Listed in the Nairobi Securities Exchange

Abstract

Corporate governance and tax aggressiveness among Kenya’s listed entities was explored in this study. Both descriptive and correlational research design were appropriate for this study where 64 listed firms were targeted. Census was used thus all the firms were covered in the study. Information was obtained from secondary sources covering the period 2016 all through 2020. The analysis was supported by descriptive and inferential statistics. It was observed that board size (β=.279, p<0.05) had the largest and significant effect on tax aggressiveness followed by board meetings (β=.221, p<0.0), CEO duality (β=.166, p<0.05) and lastly board composition (β=.157, p<0.05). With regard to the control variables, profitability (β=.966, p<0.05) had the greatest significant effect followed by size (β=.449, p<0.05) and lastly leverage (r=.160, p<0.05). The study concludes the corporate governance significantly predicts tax aggressiveness as controlled by profitability, firm size and leverage. It was recommended that board of directors of the listed firms should effectively discharge their oversight role on behalf of the shareholders to avoid conflict of interests while maximizing tax aggressiveness. Shareholders of the listed firms should ensure that the existing boards are of optimal size. Regular board meetings should be organized by company secretaries of the listed firm to deliberate on strategic issues that may have an implication on these firms. The shareholders of the listed firms should ensure that the board is properly constituted with members having relevant experience and knowledge. The policy makers at the Capital Market Authority should stipulate and enforce strict regulations governing the corporate governance of all the listed firms.