Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has launched an innovative Application Programming Interface (API) platform dubbed ‘GAVA Connect.’ The platform aims to empower IT developers and young Kenyan tech enthusiasts to create home-grown solutions that allow taxpayers and the general public to efficiently access tax administration services.
Speaking during the launch event at State House in Nairobi, which also marked the unveiling of KRA’s Ninth Corporate Plan and the 2024 Taxpayers Day, President William Ruto applauded the KRA for its efforts to accelerate the adoption of technology in tax administration.
He emphasized that technology is essential for modern transformations, noting that automated systems, such as electronic data interchange and streamlined customs processes, can significantly reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance transparency within the tax system.
The President highlighted that the effective use of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and the new ‘Gava Connect’ API will enable KRA to enhance service delivery, improve transparency, and detect tax evasion more effectively.
The API is a set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate with one another. It defines the methods and data formats applications use to request and exchange information, facilitating integration and interaction between systems. This platform provides developers with access to valuable data, empowering them to create transformative solutions and drive societal progress.
Additionally, the President commended KRA’s leadership for implementing the Tax Base Expansion Strategies, which helped generate Kshs 24.6 billion in the 2023/2024 financial year and added 1.2 million new taxpayers to the national revenue base.
“In particular, the strategies succeeded in bringing landlords into the tax net through the Block Chain Management System and the Monthly Rental Income programme. Likewise, enhanced systems, including the Electronic Tax Invoice Management System, have reduced VAT fraud, enabling us to mobilise Kshs 314 billion from over 280,663 VAT-registered taxpayers. I commend millions of patriotic Kenyans for performing their patriotic duty and filing 8 million tax returns by June 30, 2024, surpassing the target by 26%. Tax compliance is not only a legal and civic duty but also signifies our shared commitment to contribute towards national transformation,” President Ruto said.
KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga affirmed the Authority’s commitment to enabling businesses and taxpayers to integrate seamlessly with KRA’s key processes through the API solution. He emphasized the goal of fostering tax simplification and driving voluntary compliance securely, in alignment with the Authority’s 9th Corporate Plan.
“The launch of the 9th Corporate Plan and the API platform exemplifies our dedication to fostering accountability and trust by making tax administration more accessible to taxpayers. This initiative underscores our commitment to leveraging technology for improved service delivery, operational efficiency, and stronger collaboration with stakeholders, paving the way for Tax Administration 3.0, where technology and governance unite,” said KRA Commissioner General.
The 9th Corporate Plan, themed “Unlock and Tap the Full Revenue Potential through Technology Transformation, Service Excellence, and Integrity,” is a five-year strategic plan that outlines the objectives, key thematic areas of focus, and strategies KRA will deploy to simplify taxation and enhance revenue collection from 2024/2025 to 2028/2029. The Plan aims to achieve four strategic goals: enhancing revenue collection, increasing customer satisfaction, digitalizing revenue administration, and strengthening human resource management.
On his side, KRA Chairman Anthony Mwaura stated that the Authority is committed to fostering a taxpayer-friendly environment and enhancing taxpayer experiences by simplifying processes and ensuring positive interactions at all touchpoints.
“One of our commitments, as outlined in KRA’s 9th Corporate Plan, is to enhance customer-centric service delivery, making it easier for taxpayers to understand and fulfill their obligations. We are dedicated to expanding our customer support footprint to reach diverse sectors and remote areas, bringing our services closer to the people in all 47 counties in Kenya,” Mwaura added.
Taxpayers’ Day marked the culmination of this year’s Taxpayers Month, an annual event dedicated to recognizing and appreciating the contributions of taxpayers to the nation’s economic growth.
During the event, the KRA honored various taxpayers for their commitment to fulfilling their tax obligations and enhancing tax compliance. Among the institutions recognized during the Taxpayers Awards ceremony were KCB Bank (Kenya), Amica Savings and Credit Cooperative Society, KCA University, Chai Trading Company, Vivo Energy, East Africa Device Assembly (Kenya), CFAO Motors Kenya, the National Intelligence Service (NIS), and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
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