Government Unveils Major Reforms to Fix KRA and Seal Tax Leakages

The government has announced far-reaching changes aimed at reforming the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) following rising concerns about tax leakages, corruption, and poor service delivery.

For years, Kenyans have complained about gaps in the tax system that allow money to be lost before it reaches the national treasury. 

Lawmakers now say it is time to fix these weaknesses and rebuild public confidence in the country’s main tax collection body.

The proposed reforms are expected to focus on sealing revenue leaks, reducing direct human involvement in tax processes, and strengthening accountability within the agency.

Members of Parliament believe that by addressing these challenges, the government can increase revenue collection without overburdening ordinary citizens with new taxes.

Speaking on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, during an interview on a local television station, Alego Usonga MP Sam Atandi, who also serves as the Chairperson of the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee, said automation will be at the heart of the planned changes.

According to Atandi, one of the biggest problems facing KRA is the lack of full automation in its systems.

He noted that too much human involvement in tax assessment and collection creates room for errors, manipulation, and corruption.

“One of the areas we have identified is that KRA is not fully automated. There is still too much human intervention in the process of tax collection,” Atandi said.

He explained that when systems rely heavily on individuals instead of technology, it becomes easier for dishonest practices to take place.

Automating processes such as tax filing, payment tracking, and compliance checks would help reduce opportunities for fraud and speed up service delivery.

The reforms are also expected to introduce stronger internal controls and tighter monitoring systems.

Lawmakers say these measures will ensure that any suspicious transactions are flagged early and dealt with quickly.

In addition, there are plans to improve staff vetting and training to promote integrity within the authority.

Another key goal of the reforms is to improve the experience of taxpayers.

Many Kenyans have complained about delays, unclear procedures, and difficulty accessing support when dealing with tax matters.

By embracing modern technology, the government hopes to make tax services faster, simpler, and more transparent.

Atandi stressed that the reforms are not meant to punish KRA staff but to strengthen the institution.

He said the agency plays a critical role in funding development projects, paying public servants, and supporting essential services such as health and education.

Without efficient tax collection, the government cannot meet its responsibilities.