KRA: We are ready to collect revenue on behalf of counties

The Kenya Revenue Authority is willing to help counties boost their revenue streams by collecting taxes on their behalf.

The authority says it has proper infrastructure, and continues to better its systems, making it capable of helping counties.

Yesterday, commissioners attending the sensitisation of the authority’s staff and stakeholders on its Seven Corporate Plan in Kisumu said they were confident that given the mandate they would deliver.

“We have the infrastructure to collect revenue, and the Constitution has outlined that there should be a single collector of revenue. We are developing more capabilities for the country, both at county and national levels,” said Ruth Wachira, acting Commissioner, Domestic Taxes Department.

The sentiments come amid raging debate over the capacity of counties to ensure proper revenue collection, following recent reports that show dwindling revenue in counties despite increased revenue streams.

There have been allegations that most counties could be declaring lower collection to give room for looting.

Article 209 (3) empowers county governments to impose property rates and entertainment taxes. They can also impose charges for services provided. But despite most counties showing improved revenue collection, they are performing below their potential, making them heavily reliant on national government funding.

Commissioner Mohammed Omar, heading Strategic Innovation and Risk Management, said they were working on a number of strategies. “Our aim is to reach 7 million active taxpayers, up from 3.9 million,” he said.