Safaricom named top taxpayer, once again

By JAMES ANYANZWA

Safaricom has for the sixth year in a row emerged the nation’s largest taxpayer as the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) moved to fete its compliant taxpayers on Tuesday.

But in what is a pointer to the areas of growth and high revenues, the financial sector made a good account of itself — producing four out of the country’s top 10 largest taxpayers.  Coming after the East African Breweries Ltd (EABL) at second position, the Teachers Service commission (TSC) (3) and British American Tobacco at fourth position, banks filed to pick positions five to eight. Leading the pack in the sector was KCB at fifth position, Equity Bank (6), Barclays Bank (7) and Stanchart Bank (8). Even in the small taxpayers category, it was the Kenya Women Finance Trust that emerged overall winner while Aga Khan University Hospital triumphed in medium taxpayers category.

Manufacturing sector produced two firms among the large taxpayers — EABL and BAT. Three State agencies also made to the top 10 taxpayers including TSC, Kenya Ports Authority in ninth position and ministry of health at tenth position. In an event presided over by President Uhuru on Tuesday, the High Court was voted the best in ‘Facilitation Awards Category” for facilitating tax payments. Chairman Marsden Madoka said the taxpayers’ week is the most  visible among KRA’s activities.