Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has committed itself to safeguarding the partnerships between Kenya and Japan. This is aimed at creating a conducive environment for Japanese businesses and investors in the country.
Speaking yesterday during a meeting with Okaniwa Ken, Ambassador of Japan to Kenya, KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga said that the Authority has a responsibility to promote investment by safeguarding the business environment and facilitating smooth trade within the Kenyan territory.
“Besides revenue collection, KRA is mandated to facilitate trade and implement policies aimed at creating a favorable environment for investors in the country. We will continue working with relevant Government agencies to attract Japanese investors in the country,” said Wattanga.
The Commissioner went on to say that Japan has been a key investor in Kenya over the years and that the authority had collected KES 18.7 million in tax this year from japan investments. “As at October 2023, Kenya exported goods worth KES 4.84 billion to Japan and imported goods worth KES 46.1 billion, Japan has been a critical KRA partner especially in trade facilitation and border control,” he added.
The Ambassador of Japan to Kenya, said that the establishment of good tax policies is one way to create a conducive business environment for investors. “There are approximately 144 Japanese companies operating in Kenya and there are many other investors willing to invest in the country,” Okaniwa said.
Okaniwa said that Kenya occupies a privileged position in Japan’s diplomatic relations within the region and is the leading recipient of Japanese Development Assistance in Sub-Saharan Africa. “I appreciate KRA for the long-term partnership and Japan will continue to collaborating with the Authority to create a robust economy that will enable KRA to enhance revenue collection,” he said.
The Government of Japan, through its agency, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has previously offered capacity development for KRA staff in trade facilitation and border control, installed border surveillance and control equipment, donated a patrol boat, patrol vehicles, baggage scanner amongst others.
