This archive report was first published on 24 October 2019.
Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is taking a tough stance against tax evaders, building on the global practice of criminalizing tax evasion. The agency has released a new tax investigation framework, which will see those convicted of tax evasion facing harsher penalties.
As part of its efforts to combat tax evasion, KRA is collaborating with the Immigration Department to prevent tax offenders from leaving the country. The tax agency is planning a major system upgrade that will link its tax platform to the customs team under the Immigration Department.
The upgraded system will enable KRA to track tax arrears and prevent individuals with outstanding tax payments from obtaining clearance to travel abroad. This measure will affect all tax offenders, regardless of their reason for travel - whether for leisure, business, or private trips.
According to estimates, the exchequer expects to collect Sh15 billion in the 2019/2020 financial year, a significant increase from the Sh10 billion collected in 2018/19 and the Sh5 billion collected in 2017/2018.
Published on October 24, 2019.
