At the recently concluded Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Tax Summit, a key focus was on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the country’s tax system and enhancing cross-border trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The 2024 summit, which brought together policymakers, thought leaders, and stakeholders, sought to address ways to make Kenya’s taxation system more efficient while promoting economic growth.
KRA’s Commissioner-General outlined how AI is poised to transform tax collection by identifying loopholes and improving compliance.
“We are leveraging AI to streamline processes, detect fraud, and enhance compliance,” Humphrey Wattanga,KRA commissioner general said, highlighting the role of technology in making the system more efficient. The move is expected to significantly reduce tax leakages and boost revenue collection.
In addition to AI, there was a strong emphasis on making Kenya’s tax system more human-centric. KRA aims to create a more transparent and simpler tax process, one that fosters trust and voluntary compliance among taxpayers.
“Our goal is to build trust with taxpayers by making the system easier to navigate and less intimidating for all Kenyans,” the Commissioner noted. This approach involves personalized services and improved communication channels aimed at making the taxpayer experience more user-friendly.
Collaboration across borders under AfCFTA was also a key topic, with KRA working to reduce trade barriers and strengthen Kenya’s position in the global market. “The African Continental Free Trade Area is vital for enhancing trade flows and ensuring Kenya remains competitive globally,” Erick Sirali, Director of digital trade, Trademark Africa.
Finally, KRA is pushing for the digitization of customs processes to improve trade efficiency and enhance transparency. “By digitizing customs, we are not only reducing delays but also ensuring accurate collection of duties, which will promote Kenya as an international trade hub,” the Commissioner said.