Cast nets wide to trap those behind tax evasion

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has consistently been unable to meet its tax collection targets.

As a result, there have been budget deficits that have led to heavy borrowing by the Government to plug those deficits.

However, the creation of an Intelligence and Strategic Operations Department within KRA to counter tax evasion appears to have borne fruit. In itself, this could help KRA realise its target of improving tax collection by 40 per cent this financial year.

Following investigations, at least 75 KRA staffers from the Domestic taxes and the Border Control departments were arrested and consequently interdicted for their roles in aiding tax evasion.

This is a move in the right direction that could give a boost to the fight against rampant corruption; a vice that assails virtually all facets of our lives.

While those arrested so far are KRA staff members, it should not be lost on the authorities that cartels are involved and their reach, no doubt, is far and complicated.

There is more to this tax evasion than meets the eye.

As investigators cast their nets wide, the spotlight should be shone on business people, local and foreign importers and exporters, companies and individuals for whom it is mandatory to pay taxes but have used financial sleight of the hand to shirk that responsibility.

Where culpability is established, punitive measures; including any amounts owed being refunded, should be taken against the individuals concerned.

KRA can, and should be able to meet its projected tax targets for any financial year.