This archive report was first published on 21 October 2019.
On October 21, 2019, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) rolled out a unified electronic payment system, integrating KRA's itax, National Social Security Funds (NSSF) online systems, and National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) payments.
The new system aims to reduce the cost of compliance and curb tax revenue leakages, according to KRA. The platform is also part of the agency's national integration and monitoring strategy to boost tax collection.
As part of the initiative, KRA plans to scrutinize other government institutions, including Kenya Power, NTSA, and property registries, to access data for accurate estimation of tax value and personal declarations.
Earlier this month, KRA emphasized that the Tax Procedures Act compels third parties to share information, including banks. The agency's intelligence and strategic operations unit has also intensified investigations into financial records of wealthy individuals and companies.
The unified payroll system will be rolled out to the first batch of 90,500 employers, with a gradual integration of all employers by December. KRA hopes to net an additional 3.06 million taxpayers, raising the taxpayers base to seven million.
