This archive report was first published on 17 September 2019.
On September 17, 2019, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) announced its renewed bid to occupy a space at the Lake Basin Mall in Kisumu, a move that could bring in much-needed revenue to the struggling mall.
The mall, which was completed close to five years ago, has been struggling to fill up spaces, with occupancy currently standing at a mere 30 per cent.
However, with KRA's renewed interest, the mall's fortunes may soon change. The taxman has reaffirmed its commitment to move into the mall, and a contract is expected to be signed soon.
LBDA managing director Raymond Omollo confirmed that the agency was working on finer details before handing over one of the office spaces to the taxman.
“I can ascertain that we have resumed talks with KRA after they reaffirmed their commitment to move into the mall and we’ll be signing a contract soon,” said Mr Omollo.
The move by KRA represents a swift change of heart, coming just three weeks after its western Kenya regional offices withdrew from a previous bid to occupy the mall, citing procurement malpractice.
Earlier, Tuskys Supermarket also pulled out of initial plans to be the anchor tenant in the biggest shopping complex in western Kenya in 2017.
