Revenue
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has netted over Sh15 billion in revenue this financial year from the western region which covers the former Nyanza and Western provinces. Deputy Commissioner in charge of the region Patience Njau said the figure which slightly fell short of the targeted Sh19 billion was impressive.
The collections, she said were mainly from the four border points of Busia, Malaba, Lwakhakha and Isebania which have recorded improved results. She added that the business community in the region has equally recorded good results with most of the establishments in the area complying with tax regulations.
She attributed this to a partnership with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) through which sensitization meetings have been held across the region to enhance compliance. This, she said has seen total monthly revenue collections grow to Sh300 million adding that the tax collector was eyeing to scale up compliance further to net more revenue.
“The Tax payers’ education we have carried out in collaboration with the chamber of commerce has been of great help. We will continue to have more tax clinics across the region to create awareness and enhance compliance,” she said. Speaking during a precursor meeting for the upcoming Nyanza International Investment Conference, the Regional Manager said KRA will scale up the outreach program to reach more businesses and SMEs to net more revenue.
The outreach, she added also targets to enhance compliance with the e-invoicing requirements to ensure that all businesses are integrated on the Electronic Tax Invoice Management System (eTIMS). She challenged the business community to take advantage of the clinics to get information to assist them in complying with tax regulations.
KRA, she said has employed over 10,000 accountants who are on hand to support the business community on tax compliance. The services, she said were free of charge asking those in need to contact the nearest KRA office for assistance.
“Reach out and we shall come to you and assist you in filing tax returns so that you comply with the law,” she said. With barely three weeks left to the closure of the tax amnesty, Njau asked area residents to take advantage and forward their cases for consideration.
The amnesty covers penalties and interest on tax debt for periods up to 31st December 2022 with the exception of interest and penalties imposed on tax avoidance.