KRA recovers Sh4.3bn from anonymous tips in tax evasion crackdown
KRA Board Chairperson Nderitu Muriithi called on Kenyans to continue reporting tax evaders through KRA’s anonymous portal, highlighting the importance of collective vigilance in reducing revenue losses.
More than 800 anonymous tips related to tax evasion were received by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) in 2024, resulting in the recovery of over Sh4.3 billion.
KRA Board Chairperson Nderitu Muriithi revealed the figures during a public forum organised by Bunge La Mwananchi at Nairobi’s Jevanjee Gardens.
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Muriithi called on Kenyans to continue reporting tax evaders through KRA’s anonymous portal, highlighting the importance of collective vigilance in reducing revenue losses.
Speaking at the event, Muriithi emphasised the value of public involvement in the fight against tax evasion.
“Mwaka jana mlitupasha habari mara 833, reports that led us to recover Sh4.23 billion. Tuwekeni bidii jameni,” he urged, encouraging the public to continue their efforts in helping the authority track down tax evaders.
National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, who also attended the forum, reassured the public that there would be “no sacred cows” when it comes to tax collection and revenue mobilisation.
“I agree with you, there is a lot of tax evasion in the country, and people who should be paying taxes. But again, he is shouting ‘arrest,’ yet if you mechanise and militarise tax collection, you will not achieve your objective,” Mbadi said in response to concerns over tax evasion.
KRA Board Chairperson Nderitu Muriithi engages citizens at Bunge la Wananchi, Nairobi on February 3, 2025. (Photo: George Kaluma)
Scrutiny
Despite the reassurances, both officials faced scrutiny over the uneven tax burden, with a member of the public questioning the KRA’s efforts.
“Muulize Director wa Intelligence atuambie what he/she is doing to address tax evasion in this country. Because all of us must pay taxes as per the laws of this country,” the individual demanded.
In response to this concern, CS Mbadi revealed that KRA is in the process of developing a more effective system for monitoring taxpayers, especially those under-declaring rental income.
He also stressed the need for more realistic revenue projections to avoid excessive government spending.
“This we can only achieve by being realistic about the figures we give KRA. For this financial year 2025/26, if you saw the budget figures, we had projected to collect ordinary revenue of Sh3.18 trillion—it is impossible. I have asked the team at the Treasury, and we have revised it downwards to Sh2 trillion. We must start from realistic revenue so that we don’t spend what we don’t have,” Mbadi explained.
To boost liquidity in the economy, the government has committed to clearing pending bills, focusing on suppliers owed less than Sh10 million.
The initiative aims to revive businesses, stimulate economic activity, and enhance revenue generation.
Mbadi added that, out of the Sh663 billion worth of pending bills submitted, Sh474 billion has been verified, with 95 per cent of the verified bills falling below Sh10 million.
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