Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) today launched taxpayers’ month, customer service week and Kenya Revenue Authority Television.
The event that was held at KRA Headquarters at the Times Tower building in Nairobi was themed “Leaving No One Behind” and it is meant to celebrate both the taxpayer and the tax collector.
Speaking at the function, KRA Commissioner General Githii Mburu stated that the event was designed to honor the self-sacrifice of patriotic taxpayers for their contribution towards the country’s economic development.
“It is gratifying to note that over 90 percent of the taxes we collect come through voluntary compliance signifying a positive taxpayer culture by our citizens,” said Mburu.
He added that KRA was building structures for tax collection that is friendly and one that can solve disputes. “Our transformation to a customer centric organization remains core to our strategy as we continue to simplify our processes and adopt a friendlier approach in the manner we interact with our taxpayers,” noted Mburu.
Mburu hailed the importance of taxpayer education saying it would ensure adequate understanding of the requirement on the importance of tax laws, procedures and systems used by KRA to collect taxes which are available in the digital space and other media.
“Tax education remains a key component for us as KRA, enhancing the knowledge of Kenyans will reduce the cost of compliance and deepen our relationship with our taxpayers,” said Mburu.
Also present during the event was KRA Board Chairman Dr. Francis Muthaura who thanked Kenyans for timely payment of taxes.
“The role of taxpayers in our economic development cannot be understated. Celebrating our taxpayers therefore through the taxpayers’ month is central to our culture,” stated Dr. Muthaura.
Muthaura said KRA was committed to serve the public and create a conducive environment compliant in the best way possible.
“KRA’s journey towards becoming a more customer service oriented organization must be realized soon, it is aimed at transitioning the Kenya Revenue Authority to Kenya Revenue Service,” said Dr. Muthaura.
He added that the transformation will include good customer relationship management and streamlining services to improve accessibility as well as expanding KRA service points to serve proficiently.
Dr. Muthaura also launched the web-based television station, Kenya Revenue Authority Television (KRA TV) saying it will make KRA interaction with the taxpayer broader which will go a long way in enhancing awareness in taxation.
“The launch of KRA TV, a first in the region will not only enhance tax education for our tax payers but would also enhance compliance,” stated Dr. Muthaura.
The Kenya School of Revenue Authority (KESRA) Commissioner Mugambi Mwirigi while making his remarks stated that taxpayers’ month will allow KRA to listen and understand the needs of its customers.
“During this month henceforth, we shall work hard to listen more and to do so with an open mind with a view to align ourselves better so that we can support our taxpayers better,” said Mwirigi.
By Emmanuel Kipkoech and Teresia Kiio
