According to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)'s latest report, 25 employees were dismissed between July and September 2024 to address internal corruption.

This figure marks a significant increase from seven dismissals in the same period last year.

The sackings were part of a larger operation targeting misconduct within the authority, which also involved 84 disciplinary cases, a sharp rise from the 37 cases handled during the same quarter in 2023.

KRA stated that these actions are part of a strategy to enhance integrity in its operations amid pressure to increase tax revenues and reduce the national debt burden.

KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga confirmed the actions, stating, “We are committed to transforming KRA into a world-class institution with the highest standards of integrity and accountability.”

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He further noted that the initiative reflects the agency’s “zero tolerance” policy on corruption.

The authority reported conducting 41 lifestyle audits in the 2023-24 financial year, resulting in the recovery of Sh549 million in illicit wealth.

In a statement, KRA added, “Other key anti-corruption measures include profiling of tax evaders and the adoption of a whole-of-government approach, which promotes collaboration across public institutions to enhance compliance and curb evasion.”

To strengthen its anti-corruption framework, KRA established Corruption Prevention Committees (CPCs) aimed at addressing malpractice within its operational areas.

"The CPCs take appropriate administrative actions against any reported malpractices, reporting on emerging risks, and meet quarterly to evaluate the implementation of the Public Service Integrity Programme (PSIP) activities," Wattanga stated.   

Technology has also played a critical role in KRA’s efforts.

The authority introduced iWhistle, a web-based platform for anonymously reporting corruption and tax evasion, which recovered Sh4.22 billion in the last financial year.

"One of the key innovations is the introduction of iWhistle, a web-based platform that allows the public to anonymously report corruption and tax evasion activities," Wattanga disclosed.

"The iWhistle has been instrumental in recovering Sh4.22 billion in the financial year 2023-24 alone."

KRA further incentivises informants through a reward scheme offering five per cent of recovered taxes, capped at Sh5 million per case.

The agency’s initiatives come amid a wider government push to raise tax revenue, as Kenya’s growing debt continues to absorb more than 65 per cent of tax collections annually.