President William Ruto has called upon the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to adopt professionalism in their tax collection efforts. He emphasized the importance of treating citizens with respect and decency during tax collection, rather than resorting to harassment.
Speaking at the Sarova Whitesands Hotel in Mombasa during the 2023 Taxpayers Day, President Ruto underscored the government’s commitment to preventing the harassment of citizens by KRA officials during tax collection.
He stated, “I take this opportunity to emphasize to KRA that it is possible to be courteous, kind, and gentle to taxpayers and at the same time become even more effective and efficient in tax collection.”
Additionally, President Ruto mentioned that the Cabinet has approved the Public Audit (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which will enhance the Auditor-General’s independence and transparency in order to ensure the proper utilization of public resources through audits and to provide the authority to investigate fraud.
He stressed the need for the government to communicate its commitment to these changes clearly, as citizens and taxpayers have a right to know. President Ruto recognized that taxpayers are contributing to the country’s national transformation by financing public services, strategic investments, and national revenue sovereignty.
President Ruto affirmed the government’s dedication to reforming KRA to improve service delivery and eradicate corruption. He highlighted initiatives such as digitization and cultural transformation within the tax collection process to enhance efficiency at the national revenue collection agency.
Ruto emphasized that KRA should demonstrate its commitment to new service-oriented values and distance itself from the abuses and excesses of the past. The focus should be on a more taxpayer-friendly approach that discourages evasion and corrupt practices.
He also mentioned the importance of implementing a national digital identity framework to facilitate the collection of relevant data for revenue mobilization.
Ruto concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to utilizing all revenues prudently and efficiently in the service of citizens, ensuring maximum transparency and accountability.
