19 KRA staff fired over corruption

This marked a significant increase from nine workers who were sent home over corruption during the same period in 2023.

"KRA has continued its unwavering commitment to combat corruption within the agency, after dismissing 19 staff members in the second quarter of the financial year 2024/2025 (October–December), compared to nine (9) dismissals during the same period in the 2023/2024 financial year," said the authority in a statement on Wednesday.

In the same period, KRA said the number of staff cleared of corruption charges significantly dropped to eight cases, compared to 23 cases in the 2023/2024 financial year.

Staff warnings declined from 15 cases to just two cases while stern warnings rose to 7 cases, up from 2, showing KRA's zero-tolerance policy towards corruption.

Among the cases reported include dishonesty, lack of integrity, fraud, negligence of duty, absenteeism, conflict of interest, impersonation, and other ethical breaches.

KRA’s iWhistle online platform which enables the public to report corruption and tax evasion cases anonymously recorded 246 corruption reports, recovering tax amounting to Ksh.4.39 billion.

Following the launch of lifestyle audits, the taxman conducted six audits and vetted 117 workers in the same period a mechanism they say is bearing fruit in curbing corruption.

Other mechanisms used by the Authority to tame graft and ensure its workers uphold integrity are profiling tax evaders and adopting a Whole of Government approach, promoting collaboration among public institutions to enhance compliance and curb tax evasion and embracing system reviews as a preventive and detective tool against corruption.

The report follows a meeting between KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga and Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) CEO Mr. Abdi Mohamud where the two committed to collaborate in eradicating graft, money laundering, tax fraud, and tax evasion in Kenya.

They also agreed on leveraging synergies to improve intelligence sharing, conduct joint investigations, and develop complementary strategies to effectively tackle the challenges.

"We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to those who abuse our systems. Our collaboration with EACC is not just strategic; it is a moral imperative. We will establish a robust framework that not only deters tax evasion but also imposes strict penalties on those who facilitate such evasion, ensuring accountability for their actions," said Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga.

Mohamud on his part said, "This collaboration is crucial in expanding our efforts to eradicate corruption and uphold the rule of law. Together, we can foster an environment that discourages corrupt practices, and tax evasion and promotes ethical business conduct.”