This archive report was first published on 14 October 2021.
Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) commissioner-general Githii Mburu has clarified the taxman's collection practices, stating that they only collect what is allowed by law.
Speaking during the Seventh Annual Tax Summit, Mburu acknowledged that the taxman has been receiving complaints about over-taxation in recent times.
However, he emphasized that KRA only collects what is allowed by law and does not engage in over-taxation.
“There are various complaints on over-taxation, however, we only collect what is allowed by law and not overtaxing. The good performance is driven by knowledgeable staff, a performance framework for staff and taxpayer engagement,” Mburu said.
As part of efforts to develop a stable National Tax Policy (NTP), KRA has invited and received various suggestions from experts and stakeholders.
“It is with that in mind that KRA has invited and received various suggestions on having a stable National Tax Policy (NTP). The National Tax Policy (NTP), when finalised by the National Treasury and Planning, will provide a set of stable guidelines and rules for regulating taxation in the country,” said KRA board chairman Francis Muthaura.
The NTP is expected to harmonize tax collection and offer simplicity in the policy framework, attracting investors by offering consistency.
According to Anthony Munanda, a technical advisor for the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF), there is a need to look at significant changes in tax rules and to address the issues between revenue sources and the residents.
As KRA continues to modify and improve tax administration, grow the tax base, and enhance revenue mobilisation, they have collected Ksh476.646 billion, surpassing the Financial Year 2021-2022, Quarter One (July – September 2021) revenue target of Ksh461.653 billion by Ksh14.992 billion.
Published on October 14, 2021.
