President William Ruto has commended the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) for adopting cutting-edge technology that he says is transforming tax administration and strengthening public confidence in government systems. Speaking during this year’s Taxpayers’ Day celebrations at State House, Nairobi, the President said the Authority’s deployment of artificial intelligence has positioned Kenya ahead of many countries in the region.
Ruto noted that Kenya is now among the first countries in Sub-Saharan Africa to integrate AI-powered risk engines into tax compliance. He revealed that the Customs Department recently achieved its highest-ever monthly customs revenue Sh85 billion following the piloting of these engines and an overhaul of key processes. Domestic VAT collection has also improved significantly, rising from Sh20 billion per month in the 2021/22 financial year to Sh28 billion today.
The President said that the impact of KRA’s reforms is evident in the long-term revenue growth. Kenya’s tax collection has expanded 21-fold over the past three decades, growing from Sh122 billion in 1995 to Sh2.57 trillion in the current financial year. With the ongoing digital transformation, he expressed confidence that the country is firmly on track to reach the Sh3 trillion revenue target this year.
Ruto emphasised that strong revenue performance is central to national development, saying taxes fund crucial services such as schools, hospitals, infrastructure and social support systems. He urged Kenyans to remain committed to compliance, framing tax payment as both a legal duty and an act of patriotism.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi echoed the President’s remarks, stressing that public trust is essential for improving compliance. He said the government will continue investing in technology to modernise tax administration, seal leakages and enhance efficiency.
KRA Board Chairman Ndiritu Muriithi highlighted that the Authority’s ongoing transformation is anchored on transparency, innovation and customer-centric service. Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga added that KRA is redesigning its services to make compliance easier. Kenyans can now file tax returns through a simple USSD code 2225#, access services via WhatsApp, and enjoy virtual KRA offices directly on their phones.
During the event, outstanding taxpayers were honoured for exemplary compliance.
