What we must change during taxpayers' day

Last week was the Kenya Revenue Authority’s annual jamboree, the taxpayers’ week, in which the authority celebrates premium taxpayers. I have always believed this event is more about “humanising” this traditionally terrifying institution and “normalising” payment of taxes, than it is about celebrating taxpayers. It is part of the global effort to change citizens’ perception of tax payment being a penalty to be avoided at all costs, to that of a normal obligation consistent with citizenship.

Unlike the old days when the taxman was a dour looking, over worked civil servant, today’s tax collector is a suave, friendly soul willing to discuss write-offs and installment payments over a cup of coffee, at his cost! This week’s glamour completes the narrative that paying tax is an achievement to be celebrated.