Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Acting Commissioner General (CG) Rispah Simiyu will represent Kenya in the Executive Council of the Inter-American Center of Tax Administrations (CIAT).

This comes after Kenya secured a crucial position in the formulation and implementation of significant international tax programs following its election as a member of this esteemed global tax body executive council.

In her role, Simiyu will champion the interests and positions of non-American countries, including Kenya, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, France, and Portugal.

This appointment not only underscores the global reputation and endorsement of the KRA in tax administration matters but also amplifies Kenya's presence in international tax forums.

The term of Kenya's membership in the executive council spans two years, from 2023 to 2024.

The CIAT Executive Council, the governing body responsible for overseeing activities and the execution of the executive secretariat budget, now welcomes the participation of the KRA Acting Commissioner General.

This inclusion empowers Kenya to contribute actively to the formulation and implementation of key tax programs on behalf of CIAT members.

Established in 1967, CIAT is a public non-profit international organization committed to facilitating the modernization and technological advancement of its member countries' tax administrations. Currently, CIAT comprises 42 countries, from America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.

CIAT engages in various areas, including international taxation, tax studies, publications, training, technical cooperation, and information technology.

All activities are conducted within the framework of the strategic and operational plans approved by member countries.

Alongside Kenya, other countries elected to the CIAT Executive Council include Uruguay (President), Argentina, Brazil, Chile, El Salvador, Paraguay, and the United States of America.

This diverse composition ensures representation and collaboration from various regions of the world.

Kenya's membership in CIAT dates back to 2006, with the KRA Commissioner General serving as the country's representative.

Leveraging these longstanding ties, the KRA has actively fostered and strengthened strategic relations with CIAT to bolster domestic revenue mobilization and enhance the application of tax and customs procedures.

With Kenya assuming a prominent role in the international tax arena, Simiyu's representation in the CIAT Executive Council opens up new avenues for collaboration and positions the country at the forefront of shaping global tax policies and practices.

This achievement reaffirms Kenya's commitment to advancing effective and efficient tax administration both domestically and internationally.