KRA, Eastleigh Business community partner to bolster tax outreach

KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga with members of the Eastleigh Business District Association on October 16, 2023. (Photo: KRA)

By Amina Wako
Monday, October 16, 2023

KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga said the taxman was committed to enhancing trade facilitation and simplification of tax payment and enhanced compliance.

The Kenya Revenue Authority and the Eastleigh Business District Association (EBDA) have for the first time held a meeting where the committed to collaborate in a bid to bolster tax outreach and awareness initiatives for enhanced compliance and revenue mobilisation.

KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga said the taxman was committed to enhancing trade facilitation and simplification of tax payment and enhanced compliance.

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During a leadership roundtable discussion between EBDA and KRA officials on Monday, Wattanga said that through the collaboration, the taxman would tailor its engagement and tax outreach framework to respond to the unique needs of the Eastleigh Business Community further driving compliance.

EBDA Chairman Ahmed Abdullahi welcomed the move by KRA saying regular engagements had greatly improved the perception of the authority among the business community.

"Our people are willing to work with KRA and contribute their share of taxes towards the Sh3 trillion mark, and even exceed it," he said.

Mr Abdullahi reiterated that the Business Community shared Kenya's industrialization vision, stating that it was time to invest and focus on production through industries that would yield more revenue for the government.

KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga with members of the Eastleigh Business District Association Chairman Haji Ahmed Yare on October 16, 2023. (Photo: KRA)

KRA thanked the EBDA leadership for donating an office space for the Tax Service Office which led to improved customer relations and engagements, and for their support of KRA compliance support services enabled by the Revenue Service Assistants (RSAs).

The Commissioner General reiterated KRA's commitment to better tax practices through advocacy for the enactment of business-enabling legislation and tax harmonisation within the East African Community to ensure fair and competitive business practices.

Wattanga also committed to continuing the collaboration to strengthen tax compliance.

Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan lauded the leadership of the KRA for taking a proactive step in initiating direct engagement with EBDA.

"This is a significant milestone, that recognizes the pivotal role played by the Eastleigh business hub in our nation's economy. This promising collaboration is poised to bring about mutual benefits for all involved," he said.