In case you are living large trough questionable sources of income then you might be next in the President’s list as he aims at finally burying this monster called corruption.
The President has today launched a hunt for corrupt officials from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). He has ordered a lifestyle audit on KRA officials that have accumulated so much wealth that are not reflective of the taxes they remit to the tax body.
Mr Kenyatta said this was in line with his administration’s resolve to widen the tax space and find more ways to bring in more Kenyans into the taxman’s net.
Speaking during the official launch the integrated tax system for KRA which will aid KRA in better tax collection, Mr. Kenyatta issued a stern warning to tax evaders saying those found culpable will be prosecuted.
“High net-worth individuals whose lifestyles are not reflective of the taxes they pay, if any, must be compelled to demonstrate the source of their wealth and contribute their share of tax accordingly…,” warned President Kenyatta.
The head of state also encouraged the tax body to incorporate use of technology in every aspects of it’s operation so as to make it;s operations more smooth and effective.
“Traders operating fake electronic tax registers and pocketing the VAT should also be brought to book. The law must reflect the seriousness of tax collection and the consequences of default,”said President Kenyatta.
“There should be no space for tax evaders in Kenya.”
The Head of State who also awarded distinguished taxpayers for the 2017/18 year, also cautioned those charged with collecting tax saying they should not use their positions to engage in extortion or promote tax evasion.
KRA collected Ksh.329 billion in the first quarter ended September 2018 compared to Ksh.317.4 billion during the same period last year but missed their target by Ksh.92.7 billion.
According to a report from Wealth-X, the number of Kenya’s ultra-rich, defined as people worth $30 million (Sh3 billion) or more, grew by 11.7 per cent last year, ahead of India, Hong Kong and the United States.