President William Ruto has praised the Kenya Revenue Authority for implementing major technology-driven reforms that he says have strengthened tax collection and improved public trust in government systems.
Speaking during this year’s Taxpayers’ Day celebrations at State House, Nairobi, the President said the Authority’s adoption of artificial intelligence has placed Kenya ahead of many countries in the region.
He noted that Kenya is now among the earliest countries in Sub-Saharan Africa to integrate AI-powered risk engines into tax compliance.
“The Customs Department recently recorded its highest-ever monthly customs revenue, Sh85 billion last month, following the piloting of these engines and the re-engineering of our processes. Domestic VAT collections have also strengthened, rising from Sh20 billion per month in the 2021/22 financial year to Sh28 billion today,” the President said.
Ruto highlighted that the impact of the reforms is already visible, saying the revenue collection has grown 21-fold over the last three decades, from Sh122 billion in 1995 to Sh2.57 trillion in the 2024/2025 financial year.
He said the government is confident that the country is steadily on track to hit the Sh3 trillion this financial year.
According to Ruto, strong revenue performance has been central to Kenya’s economic growth by helping in building schools and hospitals, powering infrastructure, and strengthening the sovereignty.
The President urged taxpayers to remain committed to compliance, framing it as both a legal duty and a patriotic responsibility.
“Paying taxes is not merely a legal obligation; it is an act of patriotism and solidarity. Every shilling collected must deliver visible results.”
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi echoed the President’s sentiments. He said revenue collection will remain a central priority in supporting the country’s development.
Mbadi emphasised the need for better public trust, stating that compliance improves when everyone contributes their fair share.
He said the government will continue investing in technology to modernise tax administration, seal revenue leakages and improve overall efficiency.
“Innovation is essential for improving the fairness and effectiveness of our tax system. Technology will also help us broaden the tax base so that every Kenyan contributes their fair share. When everyone pays something, no one feels punished, but when only a few pay taxes, even the compliant ones start looking for the exit,” CS Mbadi said.
KRA Board Chairman Ndiritu Muriithi said the Authority’s transformation agenda is driven by transparency, innovation and good governance.
He noted that KRA is moving from an Authority to a Service, a shift he says reflects a deeper commitment to customer-centricity, accountability and public trust.
KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga said the Authority is redesigning its services to make compliance easier.
“Today, a Kenyan can file returns through a simple USSD code 2225#, no smartphone needed,” he said.
He added that KRA has also taken services to WhatsApp and is opening virtual KRA offices in every taxpayer’s pocket.
During the event, KRA recognised institutions and individuals for exemplary compliance.
