President William Ruto has issued a stern warning to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) following reports of widespread corruption within the authority. During a visit to the KRA headquarters in Nairobi on Friday, May 26, where he filed his tax returns, Ruto expressed his concerns about KRA officials engaging in collusion with businesses and organizations to evade taxes. The President's message was a clear cautionary statement against such malpractices within the authority.
"Collusion, wanton bribe-taking, and general corruption continue to pervade the operations of KRA, facilitating tax evasion, massive leakages of potential revenue, and inability to meet revenue targets," said Ruto
President William Ruto highlighted the hindrance faced by the taxman in collecting more taxes, attributing it to the use of outdated technology. During his visit to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) headquarters in Nairobi on Friday, May 26, where he filed his tax returns, Ruto emphasized the need for updated technological infrastructure to enhance the tax collection process. The President acknowledged that the use of obsolete technology was impeding the taxman's ability to maximize revenue collection.
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"The authority continues to maximize collection from existing taxpayers through processes and technologies that belong to a bygone era, including disruptive stoppages of revenue-generating operations, summary actions, time-consuming, laborious and inefficient assessment methods, and a flagrant penchant for intimidation through arbitrary prosecution," Ruto added.
President William Ruto issued a directive to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), urging them to promptly implement a thorough and effective culture change within the organization. He emphasized the importance of embracing and utilizing the best available technologies to enhance efficient revenue mobilization. During his visit to the KRA headquarters in Nairobi on Friday, May 26, where he filed his tax returns, the President stressed the need for KRA to adopt a proactive approach, swiftly implementing changes and incorporating advanced technologies to optimize revenue collection.
"KRA must stop the tiresome drama of pretending to be fighting with stakeholders over new technology and avoid irritating Kenyans with proposals to spend billions of shillings on irrelevant projects. Kenyans expect no less, deserve no less, and are entitled to no less," he said.
In addition, the President emphasized his personal commitment to safeguarding the interests of Kenyans, vowing to ensure that citizens receive the complete value of their taxes. He firmly stated that he would not tolerate any instances of theft or mismanagement of public resources, regardless of the individual's status.
By making this statement during his visit to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) headquarters in Nairobi on Friday, May 26, where he filed his tax returns, the President conveyed his determination to uphold accountability and prevent any wastage or misuse of public funds.
"I just want to make the following commitment firmly and clearly: My office shall be responsible for ensuring effectiveness, efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the use of public funds," Ruto stated.
