The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has intensified its crackdown on corruption within its ranks, resulting in the dismissal of 25 employees between July and September 2024. This represents a staggering 257% increase compared to the seven employees fired during the same period last year. The move underscores KRA’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on corruption as it seeks to enhance revenue collection and public trust.
The dismissals were part of a broader initiative to address misconduct and improve accountability. In the first quarter of the 2024/25 financial year, KRA issued 84 disciplinary verdicts against its staff, more than double the 37 issued during the same period in 2023. This 127% surge in disciplinary actions highlights the authority’s firmer stance under the leadership of Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga.
Leveraging Technology to Combat Corruption
A key driver of KRA’s success in identifying and addressing corruption has been the adoption of advanced technology. The iWhistle platform, an anonymous online portal for reporting corruption and tax evasion, has proven particularly effective. By the close of the 2023/24 financial year, iWhistle had facilitated the recovery of Ksh 4.22 billion in unpaid taxes.
The platform is part of a broader strategy to use technology to seal revenue leaks. According to Wattanga, “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.”
In addition to iWhistle, KRA has established a reward scheme to incentivize whistleblowers. Informers are entitled to 5% of the recovered tax, with payouts capped at Ksh 5 million per case. This initiative has encouraged more citizens to come forward with critical information, bolstering the authority’s anti-corruption efforts.
Lifestyle Audits Yield Results
Lifestyle audits have also played a crucial role in KRA’s crackdown on internal corruption. Over the 2023/24 financial year, audits conducted on 41 employees led to the recovery of Ksh 549 million in illicit wealth. These audits assess discrepancies between employees’ declared income and their actual wealth, helping the authority identify and recover funds acquired through corrupt practices.
Wattanga emphasized that these measures are not only about punishing offenders but also about fostering a culture of accountability and integrity within the organization.
Focused Approach to Misconduct
While KRA has ramped up efforts to combat corruption, the number of employees whose services were terminated outright decreased from eight in Q1 of 2023 to three in the same period this year. Similarly, combined cases of warnings and lifting of interdictions fell from seven to four. These reductions reflect a more targeted approach to addressing misconduct, focusing on the most severe cases while encouraging better compliance through preventive measures.
A More Transparent Tax Administration
KRA’s efforts to tackle corruption are part of a broader mission to create a transparent and efficient tax administration system. By addressing internal misconduct and leveraging technology, the authority aims to restore public confidence in its operations while maximizing revenue collection.
The significant increase in disciplinary actions and financial recoveries demonstrates KRA’s resolve to root out corruption and improve its organizational culture. As Wattanga noted, “These actions underscore our leadership’s commitment to eradicating corruption and ensuring that KRA serves Kenyans effectively and transparently.”
The steps taken by KRA serve as a reminder of the importance of integrity in public institutions. By addressing internal challenges, the authority is better positioned to fulfill its mandate of driving Kenya’s economic growth through efficient revenue collection. With continued efforts, KRA is setting a precedent for accountability and transparency in government institutions.
