The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) held a high-level roundtable with the private sector to address key tax-related challenges and explore solutions aimed at enhancing business competitiveness and investment growth in Kenya.
The engagement which focused on tax as an enabler of investment, provided a platform for constructive dialogue on tax administration, compliance, and policies affecting businesses.
In his remarks, KRA Commissioner General Mr Humphrey Wattanga reiterated KRA’s commitment to fostering a conducive business environment by addressing inefficiencies in tax administration and aligning tax policies with economic growth strategies. ‘We endeavor to improve efficiency and service delivery within the administration, and thereby provide an enabled tax environment that promotes the ease of doing business and investment in our Country,’ he said. ‘We are actively implementing internal reforms to provide tailored compliance support to taxpayers to encourage voluntary compliance and ensure businesses thrive within Kenya’s tax framework,’ said Mr Wattanga.
In her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance Ms Carole Kariuki commended KRA for engaging in open dialogue and providing clarity on various tax concerns. She called for continued collaboration with other strategic stakeholders to further refine taxation policies, streamline compliance mechanisms, and foster an investment-friendly climate in Kenya.
While acknowledging a funding shortfall that had delayed the processing of refunds, KRA encouraged taxpayers to use approved refunds to offset tax liabilities in line with the law, even as it engages the National Treasury for additional resources. KRA had also appointed a dedicated team to clean up taxpayer ledgers and fast-track resolution of outstanding issues resulting from the pre-iTax period, urging taxpayers to review their ledger balances on iTax and provide feedback for quick facilitation and adjustments.
KRA reaffirmed its commitment to stakeholder engagement as a core element of its revenue administration strategy and further targeted consultations scheduled to ensure the smooth implementation of tax reforms and administrative improvements.
KRA encourages all taxpayers to take advantage of the extended tax amnesty program, which waives all penalties and interests for all periods up to 31st December 2023. The amnesty window will close on 30th June 2025.
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