KRA to implement new anti-tax evasion measures

Kenya Revenue Authority commissioner general John Njiraini addresses participants during customs progressive engagement on International Customs Day on January 26, 2016 in Nairobi. The taxman has put in place fresh measures aimed at curbing tax evasion at entry points. PHOTO | JAMES EKWAM | NATION MEDIA GROUP 

In Summary

• To meet its targets, KRA will appoint the authority’s first head of enforcement and border control within the Customs and Border Control Department.
• KRA commissioner general John Njiraini said the holder of the position will boost “national security and efficiency” in the country’s customs management.
• KRA is equally engaging its regional counterparts to develop an integrated single customs systems.

By BRIAN NGUGI
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Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) on Tuesday put in place fresh measures aimed at curbing tax evasion at entry points.

To meet its targets, the taxman will appoint the authority’s first head of enforcement and border control within the Customs and Border Control Department.

KRA commissioner general John Njiraini said a new holder of the position will boost “national security and efficiency” in the country’s customs management.
A head of enforcement and border control designate, Mr Njiraini said, has extensive security sector experience.

Mr Njiraini who spoke as the authority started observing the International Customs Day in Nairobi, added that a variety of extra reform measures would boost revenue collection for the State agency.

They include implementation of a new customs management system, which kicked off this month.

“When fully implemented, the new system will replace the current Simba system, which has been in use since 2005. The new system will have more superior features that will aid better practices in risk management, security targeting and valuation of cargo. Moreover the system will also provide solutions that will enhance governance in hitherto problematic areas such as customs auctions through creation of an online virtual auction platform,” he said.

SINGLE CUSTOMS SYSTEMS

Mr Njiraini said KRA is equally engaging its regional counterparts to develop an integrated single customs systems.

“Work has already started to install a new electronic cargo tracking platform that will enable seamless visibility of transit cargo along the Northern Corridor countries of Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda,” he said.

“Customs authorities within the EAC have commenced work to develop a common customs management system aimed at providing a single platform for transacting international trade activities within the regional block,” he said.