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How KRA Recovered Over Kshs. 4.2 Billion Using iWhistle and Lifestyle Audits

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The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating corruption, instituting a host of bold measures to foster accountability, enhance public confidence, and solidify its standing as a transparent, efficient tax administration system. This unwavering drive comes at a pivotal time when public trust in government institutions and the effectiveness of tax collection systems is under intense scrutiny.

The first quarter (July–September) of the Financial Year (FY) 2024/2025 marked a significant shift in KRA’s anti-corruption landscape. The authority issued 84 disciplinary verdicts against staff misconduct, a dramatic increase compared to 37 cases in the same period of FY 2023/2024. This escalation underscores KRA’s zero-tolerance approach to corruption under its revamped leadership.

Among these sanctions, summary dismissals surged from 7 cases in Q1 FY 2023/2024 to 25 cases in Q1 FY 2024/2025, demonstrating a firmer stance against severe misconduct. Conversely, the number of terminations of service declined to 3 cases, down from 8 in the same period last year, signaling KRA’s targeted and effective disciplinary measures.

One of the key pillars of KRA’s anti-corruption campaign is its innovative use of technology. The introduction of iWhistle, a web-based platform, has revolutionized public reporting on corruption and tax evasion. With anonymity guaranteed, whistleblowers have come forward in droves, enabling KRA to recover Kshs. 4.22 billion in FY 2023/2024 alone.

As a further incentive, KRA introduced a reward scheme, offering whistleblowers 5% of recovered tax, capped at Kshs. 5 million per case. This initiative not only motivates informers but also deters potential offenders, creating a self-policing ecosystem.

KRA has adopted stringent lifestyle audits to trace unexplained wealth among staff. In FY 2023/2024, 41 lifestyle audits were conducted, leading to the recovery of Kshs. 549 million. This underscores the authority’s resolve to address internal corruption.

Additionally, KRA has launched an Integrity Award Framework to honor staff members who exemplify exceptional ethical behavior. Recognizing and celebrating integrity promotes a culture where honesty is not only expected but rewarded, encouraging employees to align with the authority’s vision.

A cornerstone of KRA’s reforms lies in risk-driven compliance interventions, where decisions are informed by robust data analysis and risk assessments. This ensures transparency in the enforcement of tax laws, while also providing taxpayers with clear documentation and audit trails.

Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga emphasized the transformative impact of these strategies, stating:

“We are committed to transforming KRA into a world-class institution with the highest standards of integrity and accountability. Through these strategic measures, including the use of technology and a firm stance on corruption, we are not only enhancing revenue collection but also building a more transparent and efficient tax administration system for the people of Kenya.”

KRA has established Corruption Prevention Committees (CPCs) to prioritize anti-corruption efforts and has strengthened its ties with key enforcement agencies such as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the Asset Recovery Authority (ARA).

Regionally, KRA is implementing the East African Revenue Authorities (EARA) Anti-Corruption Framework, which includes mechanisms such as integrity communication strategies and whistleblower protections. Globally, it is adopting the World Customs Organization East and Southern Africa (WCO ESA) Code of Conduct on Integrity, a benchmark for tax authorities worldwide.

KRA’s efforts have led to a significant improvement in its Corruption Perception Index (CPI). The index rose to 30.0% in FY 2023/2024, up from 38.6% in FY 2019/2020, reflecting growing public confidence in the authority’s commitment to integrity.

Beyond internal reforms, KRA is working to educate and involve external stakeholders. Anti-corruption sensitization workshops for taxpayers, businesses, and the general public have become a cornerstone of its outreach strategy. By fostering awareness, the authority ensures that its anti-corruption message resonates beyond its walls.

As KRA implements its bold anti-corruption measures, the ultimate goal remains clear: to ensure that every Kenyan pays their fair share of taxes, supporting critical public services and the country’s economic growth.

In the words of Commissioner General Wattanga:

“Through these strategic measures, we are building a better, fairer Kenya where revenue collection is transparent and serves all citizens effectively.”