How the taxman can help expand Kenya’s tax base

The authority ought to lobby the National Treasury and the wider government on behalf of taxpayers. [Kibata Kihu, Standard]

This week, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) announced plans of raising Sh6.8 trillion over the next three years. They hope to achieve this by expanding the tax base from 6.1 million to 8.1 million taxpayers.

A significant part of the increased tax base will come from the so-called “informal” sector and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). All else equal, these efforts are commendable.