I Won’t Entertain Harassment of Citizens, Ruto Warns KRA

President William Ruto has called upon the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to adopt a professional approach to carrying out their duties.

During Friday’s 2023 Taxpayers Day event at the Sarova Whitesands Hotel in Mombasa, President Ruto emphasized the importance of KRA officials treating citizens with kindness and decency during tax collection. According to Ruto, mistreatment of taxpayers would not be tolerated under this government. He urged tax collectors to realize that they can be polite, empathetic, and efficient while collecting taxes, referring to it as a principle that KRA needs to adopt. Additionally, President Ruto announced that the Cabinet had recently approved the Public Audit (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

President Ruto has called for increased transparency and independence of the Auditor-General through new legislation. This will enable the officer of the Auditor-General to uphold the proper allocation and use of public resources, promote auditors’ checks, and boost the capacity to investigate fraudulent activities. President Ruto recognized the crucial contribution made by taxpayers to national development through their support of public services, strategic investments, and protection of our revenue sovereignty. He reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing reforms at KRA to eradicate corruption and enhance service delivery.

To enhance the quality of service at the national revenue collection agency, President Ruto highlighted the importance of digitization and a transformation in culture. Ruto emphasized the need for the agency to align itself with the revenue mobilization requirements dictated by the new constitutional dispensation. He affirmed that the era of an oppressive agency that instilled fear in taxpayers through the abuse of statutory authority is long gone. Ruto called on the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to exhibit unwavering dedication to service-oriented values and distance itself from the past abuses and excesses that bred resentment and facilitated corruption.

According to President Ruto, the execution of a countrywide system for online identification will have great benefits in collating important financial information for revenue generation. Ruto emphasised the responsible utilization of all revenue for the welfare of Kenyan citizens. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua reassured the people of Kenya that tax revenues were being used wisely. He also warned that anyone misusing these funds would face consequences.

In response to claims about new taxes on personal items, Finance Cabinet Secretary Ndung’u clarifies that they are following the law and the Finance Bill. National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa and Finance Committee Chairman Kimani Kuria highlight the significance of efficient service delivery at the Kenya Revenue Authority to generate sufficient tax revenue for the country’s development endeavours.