Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has renewed its unwavering commitment to combat corruption within the agency. This renewed focus comes with the introduction of a series of robust measures designed to uphold integrity, ensure accountability, and enhance public confidence in the tax administration system.
In the first quarter of the 2024/2025 financial year (July-September), KRA issued a total of 84 verdicts sanctioning staff for various misconducts, compared to just 37 verdicts during the same period in FY 2023/2024. This represents a significant increase in disciplinary actions, underscoring the leadership’s firmer stance on corruption within the organization. Among these sanctions, Summary Dismissals rose sharply to 25 cases in Q1 of FY 2024/2025 from just 7 in the same period last year, reflecting KRA’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption.
Additionally, the number of Termination of Services cases dropped from eight in Q1 of FY 2023/24 to three in Q1 of FY 2024/25, while the combined cases of Warning and Lifting of Interdiction decreased from seven to four, indicating a more focused approach towards dealing with misconduct.
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To further bolster the fight against corruption, KRA has leveraged technology to seal revenue leakages. One of the key innovations is the introduction of iWhistle, a web-based platform that allows the public to anonymously report corruption and tax evasion activities. The iWhistle has been instrumental in recovering Ksh 4.22 billion in FY 2023/2024 alone. To incentivize the reporting of tax malpractices, KRA has also established a reward scheme, offering informers 5% of the tax recovered, with a maximum payout of Ksh 5 million per case.
Moreover, the Authority has instituted an Integrity Award Framework to recognize and celebrate KRA staff who exemplify outstanding support in promoting integrity within the organization. These initiatives have contributed significantly to the improvement of KRA’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI), which has seen a notable upward shift, rising from 30.0% in FY 2023/24, compared to 38.6% in FY 2019/20.
In addition to these efforts, KRA has implemented lifestyle audits, which have proven to be effective in identifying illicit wealth among staff. In FY 2023/2024, 41 lifestyle audits were conducted, leading to the recovery of Ksh 549 million. Other key anti-corruption measures include profiling of tax evaders and the adoption of a Whole of Government approach, which promotes collaboration across public institutions to enhance compliance and curb evasion.
KRA has also introduced Risk Driven Compliance interventions, ensuring that all actions taken are supported through risk assessments and data analysis. This approach enhances transparency by informing taxpayers of the basis for KRA’s actions, while also ensuring proper documentation for audit trails.
“We are committed to transforming KRA into a world-class institution with the highest standards of integrity and accountability. Through these strategic measures, including the use of technology and a firm stance on corruption, we are not only enhancing revenue collection but also building a more transparent and efficient tax administration system for the people of Kenya,” said Commissioner General Mr. Humphrey Wattanga.
KRA has further established Corruption Prevention Committees (CPCs) to set up priorities for the prevention of corruption within operational areas. The CPCs take appropriate administrative actions against any reported malpractices, report on emerging risks, and meet quarterly to evaluate the implementation of the Public Service Integrity Program (PSIP) activities.
In this fight against the vice of corruption, KRA is working in close collaboration with other law enforcement agencies such as the Ethics and Anticorruption Corruption Commission (EACC), Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and Asset Recovery Authority (ARA) among others. KRA is also cooperating with other regional jurisdictions to exchange information which is crucial in revealing corruption schemes. Further, KRA is currently implementing the East African Revenue Authorities (EARA) anti-corruption framework that includes the establishment of an integrity communication strategy and whistle-blower mechanisms. The Authority is also in the initial stages of implementing the already ratified World Customs Organization East and Southern Africa Code of Conduct on Integrity.
To promote a corruption-free culture, KRA has heightened its efforts to create integrity awareness amongst its staff regularly, taking into account anti-corruption policies and bribery risk assessment in all areas of operation. The Authority also conducts anti-corruption sensitizations to its external stakeholders.
KRA’s concerted efforts in tackling corruption reflect its ongoing commitment to ensuring that all Kenyans pay their fair share of taxes, which will help fund essential public services and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
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