The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has intensified its fight against corruption, leveraging technological innovations, reward programs, and lifestyle audits to enhance tax compliance and transparency. According to KRA’s latest report, these efforts recovered KES 4.22 billion in the financial year 2023/2024, reflecting a notable success in curbing tax evasion.
One of the key measures includes a reward scheme to encourage whistleblowers. “To incentivize the reporting of tax malpractices, KRA has also established a reward scheme offering informers 5% of the tax recovered, with a maximum pay-out of KES 5 million per case,” the Authority noted.
In addition, lifestyle audits played a crucial role in identifying illicit wealth among staff. “In FY 2023/2024, forty-one (41) lifestyle audits were conducted, leading to the recovery of KES 649 million,” KRA stated. These measures underscore a firm stance against corruption while strengthening public trust.
KRA has also implemented iWhistle, a web-based platform enabling anonymous reporting of tax fraud and evasion. The system has already yielded results, recovering billions while reinforcing accountability.
The Authority emphasized its broader strategy to create a transparent and efficient tax system. “We are committed to transforming KRA into a world-class institution with the highest standards of integrity and accountability,” said KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga. He added that technology and strategic reforms are driving efforts to combat corruption and enhance tax revenue collection.
KRA continues to collaborate with agencies such as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to strengthen enforcement.
As part of its ongoing efforts, KRA has heightened integrity awareness among its staff and stakeholders, promoting a “corruption-free culture” to ensure equitable tax collection and sustainable economic growth.
