Aasai

Nineteen Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) employees were dismissed between October and December last year for engaging in corruption. This was a notable increase compared to the same period in 2023 when nine staff members were fired for similar offenses. KRA reaffirmed its commitment to fighting corruption, emphasizing its zero-tolerance policy.

During this period, the number of staff cleared of corruption charges dropped significantly to eight from 23 in the previous year. Additionally, staff warnings reduced from 15 to just two cases, while stern warnings increased from two to seven. The dismissed employees faced allegations of fraud, dishonesty, negligence, absenteeism, impersonation, and other ethical violations.

KRA’s iWhistle online platform, which allows the public to report corruption and tax evasion cases anonymously, recorded 246 reports, leading to tax recoveries worth Ksh. 4.39 billion. The authority also intensified lifestyle audits, conducting six audits and vetting 117 employees as part of its anti-corruption measures. Other strategies include profiling tax evaders and collaborating with government agencies to enhance compliance and curb graft.

The report follows a meeting between KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga and EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud, where they pledged to strengthen cooperation in combating tax fraud, money laundering, and corruption. They committed to improving intelligence sharing, conducting joint investigations, and enforcing stricter penalties for offenders. Wattanga emphasized that the partnership with EACC is not only strategic but a moral duty to uphold accountability and deter unethical practices.