KRA being revamped to become friendly, says Ruto

By Peter Ochieng

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is being revamped to become a friendly and effective service-oriented organisation, president William Ruto has said.

The Head of State says he is keen on restoring KRA’s image to inspire voluntary tax compliance.

He said under his watch, KRA will no longer be a suppressive entity driving taxpayers into terror in the name of revenue collection.

"It is possible for the Kenya Revenue Authority to collect adequate amount of taxes to support our investments in public services without harassing taxpayers," Ruto said.

Speaking in Mombasa during the Kenya Revenue Authority taxpayers’ Day on Friday, president Ruto said technology such as the national digital identity will be adopted to enhance revenue mobilisation.

"The integration of technology in the administration of tax will tame such abuses, diminish evasion, reduce wastage and facilitate effective and efficient collection."

According to a dispatch from State House, Ruto said public resources will be utilised prudently to drive the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

“There is no space for wastage and corruption. Our tolerance for corruption is zero,” he said.

Earlier, the president bid farewell to King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the Moi International Airport, Mombasa.

The Royals arrived in the country on Monday night for a four day official visit which ended on Friday.

It was the first visit for King Charles and Queen Camilla outside Europe, since their coronation in May, 2023.

President Ruto said it was a privilege for him and the country to host the Royals.

"This visit has opened a new chapter in Kenya-UK relations and enhanced our economic and cultural co-operation and collaboration," he said.

"Kenya appreciates the visit by His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla," added the Head of State.