By: Joseph Mutua Ndonga
Worth Noting:
- For those with tax arrears, we shall engage them in a candid and honest discussion and this will herald to agreeable repayment plan.
- President William has already set out the target. He want KRA to collect Sh3 trillion this financial year. He said this is achievable.
- It should be noted Mwaura is the one of key allies of Dr Ruto who had fallen into trouble with President Kenyatta’s administration for allegedly engaging in corruption.
- Let me say this. There is saying that goes: actions speak more louder than words. So, being a tough talking especially when appearing before the cameras does not necessary mean one can deliver.
A few days ago, I read an exclusive interview published by one of Kenya’s mainstream print media (read The Star Newspaper).
Penned by the deputy political editor of this paper James Mbaka, this was the first interview granted by the newly appointed chairman of Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Antony Mwaura.
Responding to questions related to myriad of challenges that previously hindered the government from meeting its tax collection targets, a tough talking Mwaura said he had unearthed where the problem lie.
I have provided leadership and we have crafted a legal framework expanding tax collection base by ensuring all Kenyans pay taxes.
Some 200 big companies which were doing business with the previous regime were not paying taxes.
They owe KRA Sh160 billion and we are pursuing them.
We are going to do this in a human face. No Kenyan will be harassed.
We shall use persuasive language to ensure no one is left out. Paying tax is a legal obligation.
For those with tax arrears, we shall engage them in a candid and honest discussion and this will herald to agreeable repayment plan.
President William has already set out the target. He want KRA to collect Sh3 trillion this financial year. He said this is achievable.
It should be noted Mwaura is the one of key allies of Dr Ruto who had fallen into trouble with President Kenyatta’s administration for allegedly engaging in corruption.
I have never dipped my fingers in public coffers. I was being targeted for political reasons.
During the interview, he said those doubting him will be shocked.
The President gave me this job because he knows I’m a clean and honest man.
As the chairperson of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) National Nomination Board, those I worked with during the party primaries can tell you the kind of a person I am.
No one could have compromised me. I stood for truth. This explains why UDA had only few incidences and complaints.
Let me say this. There is saying that goes: actions speak more louder than words. So, being a tough talking especially when appearing before the cameras does not necessary mean one can deliver.
I hope Mwaura does not fall in this category. He must bear this mind. It is not easy to deal with tax evaders, brokers and cartels who were sabotaging the work of KRA.
Some of them are so powerful and were being regarded as untouchables.
This is mainly because they were enjoying political connection.
Mwaura however has no cause to worry. The President has been reiterating his commitment to lead Kenyans in paying taxes. This shows he fully support him.
Joseph Mutua Ndonga is A Writer and Political Analyst based in Nairobi
