Mombasa, Kenya, Sept’ 27, 2025 – The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has intensified efforts to boost tax literacy across the country, targeting small and medium-sized enterprises and young entrepreneurs through public education forums.
Speaking during an engagement forum at the Swahilipot Hub in Mombasa, Commissioner for Medium and Small Taxpayers, George Obell, said the initiative aims to bridge the gap between the tax regulator and the public by addressing concerns, simplifying compliance, and expanding Kenya’s tax base.
“Over 22 million Kenyans are eligible to pay taxes, but only slightly above 8 million are fulfilling the obligation,” Mr. Obell said. “Paying your taxes enables the government to serve you better. We are not here to squeeze you out of your hard-earned revenue but to listen to your views and challenges so that together we can find solutions.”
The forum, attended by young business owners from coastal counties, raised concerns about over-taxation, delays in obtaining KRA PINs, and unclear policies affecting emerging industries such as the creative sector. Participants also decried double taxation on online businesses and challenges in remitting returns while awaiting delayed payments from county governments.
“At times our businesses are underperforming. Whether we make profits or losses, KRA still demands taxes. Please understand our situation and consider waiving some penalties,” one businesswoman appealed.
Responding to the concerns, Mr. Obell assured participants that KRA was embracing digital platforms to resolve queries faster and urged taxpayers to engage directly with the authority instead of relying on intermediaries. He warned that unscrupulous cyber café attendants and corrupt KRA officials found frustrating taxpayers would face disciplinary action.
The issue of employment at KRA also emerged, with some participants alleging discrimination against people from the Coast region. KRA Director Richard Ndung’u and Lydia Rono, who represented KRA Chairperson Nderitu Muriithi, dismissed the claims, insisting that all job opportunities were merit-based and advertised nationally.
“It is not discrimination. The challenge is that very few people from the Coast apply when vacancies are announced. We encourage everyone, including persons with disabilities, to take advantage of these opportunities,” they said.
Also present was Dr. Fred Mugambi, Commissioner of the Kenya School of Revenue Administration (KESRA), who urged youth to enroll in the institution to acquire skills and qualifications needed to benefit from employment opportunities within KRA.
The Mombasa forum is part of KRA’s nationwide awareness drive to enhance compliance, widen the tax net, and support the government’s revenue collection efforts.
