Taxman’s new mobile application laudable

The move by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to introduce the excisable goods management system (EGMS) smart phone application for verifying the authenticity of stamps on excisable goods is laudable.

What is even more impressive is the swiftness with which the Authority moved to nip the fake stamps in the bud before the menace could proliferate.

Consumers, distributors and retailers dealing in excisable goods now have the power to verify the authenticity of the said products and report to KRA in real time whenever they come across counterfeits.

Stakeholders in this industry all need to actively participate in this noble cause which not only eradicates production of fake goods but also reduces loss of revenue occasioned by presence of such goods.

Consumers, being the end users of these products need to be at the forefront of supporting KRA’s fight against counterfeits and report such incidences as provided for in the application.

Distributors and salespersons also need to take advantage of this application as dealing in counterfeits, knowingly or unknowingly, could  have serious financial implications.