Kenya : Revenue Authority Rubbishes Audit Calls

By Samuel Ouma The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has rubbished calls to have the agency audited over the alleged theft of taxpayers' funds. In a statement, the exchequer refuted the claims, noting that it has invested in high technology that has prevented loopholes. "KRA has invested in modern technology, which works efficiently as the revenue collection and settlement system from source to The Exchequer. With this in place, there is no room for revenue diversion as strict surveillance plugs revenue loopholes,” said  Acting KRA Commissioner General Rispah Simiyu. According to Rispah Simiyu, the technology has successfully mobilised more taxes to support the country's economy. "Year to date, KRA has kept pace with revenue collection compared to prior year collections. As at the close of March 2023, revenue collection averaged 95.1% on the original target and 93.4% on Supplementary target, representing a collection of Kshs. 1.554 Trillion and a year-on-year 8% growth," added Rispah. KRA said it remains committed to bridging the deficit on target by rolling out eTIMS for efficient and effective tax collection. "Conscious of the mandate to mobilise and secure revenue for national development, KRA remains committed to bridging the deficit on target. KRA continues to implement Revenue Enhancement Initiatives (REI) which include; roll out of eTIMS for efficient and effective VAT collection, integration of KRA systems with betting companies leading to improved collection in Excise Tax on betting and Withholding Tax on winnings, amicable settlement of tax disputes through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Tax Base Expansion aimed at bringing more taxpayers into the tax bracket," Rispah Simiyu said. Moreover, the exchequer noted that it has invested in qualified staff to help it meet its goals. "KRA continues being a professionally managed public organisation comprising of competent staff, management and board leadership, delivering their mandate within the staff code of conduct and the KRA values," said the agency. The KRA boss responded to the National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi's call for an audit of KRA on April 7 amid reports of a financial shortage at the National Treasury that have resulted in record salary delays for civil servants. MP said that senior KRA officials were stealing the funds. “Where the proceeds from taxes and savings from scrapped subsidies are going, we can’t tell. The easy conclusion is that the criminals at KRA are collecting and pocketing taxes as the incompetents at the National Treasury also skim off the revenue while failing to come up with sound policies for cash flow,” said Opiyo Wandayi.