This archive report was first published on 22 August 2019.
On August 22, 2019, Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui spoke out against the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) over the arrest of Keroche Breweries owners Tabitha Karanja and Joseph Karanja.
The Governor expressed his disappointment in a statement, saying he was 'saddened' by how the Keroche Breweries founders were 'reduced to fugitives' despite their significant contribution to the economy.
He noted that the company, based in Naivasha, Nakuru County, is one of the major employers in the area and that hundreds of its employees could lose their jobs if the matter is not handled amicably.
'While there may be tax matters that require redress, it would be an act of utmost betrayal to Kenyans who have built their businesses over the years, to be reduced to fugitives,' Governor Kinyanjui said.
He added that the quest to enhance tax collection must be balanced with the need to protect businesses and save jobs, warning that ignoring this reality could lead to 100 percent compliance but leave half the industries closed.
