The laughter of children echoed through the narrow corridors of Dandora’s Ronald Ngala Primary School as Kenya Revenue Authority staff and partners unpacked boxes of brightly coloured storybooks.
What began as an ordinary weekday turned into an extraordinary lesson on empathy, learning and hope. For two days, KRA officers traded their offices for classrooms, not to audit numbers or collect taxes, but to plant seeds of literacy, inclusion and environmental care in the hearts of young learners.
The KRA Book Drive was no ordinary outreach. Themed ‘Educating Communities, Empowering Future Taxpayers’, the initiative reached six schools in Dandora and Dagoretti in two days, impacting more than 12,000 students.
With each stop, the drive revealed the softer, more human side of an institution often known for its seriousness.
In partnership with Giant Group of Nairobi, Twiga, and Shree Vanik Vaishnav Mahaja, KRA’s mission was simple yet transformative: to improve the reading culture among schoolchildren, nurture curiosity and show that behind every tax collector lies a community builder.
IN THE HEART OF DANDORA
The first leg of the journey was in Dandora, where KRA’s CSR team visited Ronald Ngala Primary, Wangu Primary, and Tom Mboya Comprehensive School. The excitement was palpable from the moment the first book was handed out.
At Ronald Ngala Primary School, which serves more than 3,000 students, pupils cheered as boxes of reading materials were brought in. Teachers beamed with pride as KRA staff led storytelling sessions and joined in tree-planting activities within the school compound.
“I want to thank the KRA team that visited us today and donated reading materials to our school,” head teacher Nyamae Kasina said.
“We received about 400 storybooks, which is a big boost to our reading culture. This visit has shown our learners that even government institutions like KRA care about their growth. Some of our pupils now say they want to work for KRA in future.”
For many students, the visit was their first close interaction with KRA officers. The authority’s representatives were not there to talk about taxes or numbers but about imagination, books and dreams.
At Wangu Primary School, the second stop of the day, the KRA Book Drive became even more interactive. The team, alongside partners from Giant Group of Nairobi (Twiga), not only donated books but also planted trees, symbolising growth and sustainability.
“These children come from very humble backgrounds,” said head teacher Wachira Kabunya, whose school sits near the Dandora dumpsite and serves more than 5,700 students.
“For most of them, education is their only way out. The fact that KRA came here to give back is a great gesture. It shows that they care about our children’s future.”
Representatives from Giant Group of Nairobi Twiga echoed the sentiment.
“We are a philanthropic group that has been active for more than 45 years, focusing on education,” Mukesh Desai said.
“We give textbooks, scholarships and support special needs children. Partnering with KRA allows us to reach more schools and nurture a reading culture among Kenyan children.”
Meanwhile, KRA reading ambassador Sheena Nyaranga led a lively storytelling session that had pupils giggling and shouting out answers.
“As part of the KRA at 30 celebrations, we are giving back to the community,” she said. “It’s amazing to see how thirsty these children are for knowledge. Education is the best investment, and this initiative allows us to nurture that habit early.”
The day ended with a symbolic tree planting session. “We planted trees to better their tomorrow,” one staff member said. “Because nurturing young minds and protecting the environment go hand in hand.”
The final stop for the day was Tom Mboya Comprehensive School, another Dandora-based institution where the KRA team’s arrival was met with song and cheer. Pupils sat outside as officers read them stories from newly donated books, while teachers watched with joy.
“We are very happy that visitors from KRA are here to donate books and cultivate a reading culture,” the head teacher said. “We have a monthly book club, and we are inviting KRA to join us as we continue building this culture among our learners.”
The team left behind hundreds of books and newly planted trees — small but lasting reminders that education, like nature, thrives when nurtured.
FROM KNOWLEDGE TO INCLUSION
If Day One was about literacy, Day Two was about empathy. The second leg of the book drive saw KRA move from Dandora to Dagoretti, where the day’s highlight was a heartfelt visit to Dagoretti Special School, a sanctuary for children with intellectual disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy and physical impairments.
This visit marked the emotional peak of the weeklong campaign. KRA commissioner Dr Lilian Nyawanda joined the team, spending the day interacting with students, teachers and caregivers.
“It’s been a really wonderful time,” she said.
“We sang with the children, engaged with them in art and celebrated their talent. The artistic work they do here is inspiring. We’ve also donated books and materials for beadwork and sewing — skills that empower these learners for life.”
Her words were filled with warmth and admiration as she described the experience.
“This visit has been eye-opening. We’ve been challenged to take time to learn and understand the realities of our communities and find more ways to collaborate,” Nyawanda said.
“We often hear that KRA is just about taking, but today, we’re here to show our soft side — that we also give back and care deeply about the society that sustains us.”
At Dagoretti, KRA staff went beyond donations. There were reading sessions, interactive art classes and musical performances, including a soulful piece by the KRA saxophonist, which left the children mesmerised.
The focus was inclusion, ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, felt seen and celebrated.
FIGHTING STIGMA WITH HOPE
For Francis Manyala, the principal of Dagoretti
Special School, KRA’s visit was a beacon of hope.
“This is a school for children with intellectual disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy and physical impairments,” he said.
“Our biggest challenge is stigma. Many parents and community members believe these children have no future, which is not true. These are the children who need our help the most.”
While the school currently supports about 200 children, many more cannot attend due to financial and logistical barriers.
“We hope to start a boarding section in the future so we can accommodate more learners,” he said.
His gratitude to KRA was heartfelt.
“Let people know that KRA takes and gives. They are our friends. This partnership has shown that KRA cares about inclusion and the welfare of all children. As they celebrate their 30th anniversary, we thank them for identifying our school and giving us hope.”
After the touching morning at Dagoretti Special School, the KRA convoy moved to Dr Muthiora Primary and Junior School.
“KRA was here with us today and donated reading materials for our children,” head teacher Emily Birir said.
“I have always known KRA for collecting taxes, but today they changed that perception. This visit has shown us their compassionate side. It’s such a good initiative.”
The final stop of the two-day journey was Mukarara Primary School, where the theme of empowerment continued. Head teacher Lorna Omollo emphasised the lasting impact of the visit.
“We are grateful to KRA for visiting our school. This engagement will improve our reading culture tremendously,” she said.
“In today’s world, children are reluctant to read, but with these donations, our students have no excuse. We plan to set up a library using the books received today. A society that reads is a safe society, and this visit will help keep our children away from drugs and crime.”
As Mukarara’s pupils flipped through their new storybooks, the KRA staff looked on with pride, knowing their small act of kindness would ripple through generations.
BEYOND NUMBERS
For many Kenyans, KRA is a faceless institution, a name that appears on receipts, licences and tax forms. But the KRA Book Drive has changed that narrative. It showcased the real people behind the agency — parents, mentors and passionate community members committed to shaping a better Kenya.
Felgona Ochieng, one of the KRA staff volunteers, summed it up beautifully.
“We believe in empowering future taxpayers. For us to have a sustainable country, we need literate citizens who understand the importance of taxes. That’s why we’re investing in literacy.
“We’ve given the children books and reading diaries to help them track what they read and summarise their lessons. It’s all part of building informed, responsible citizens.”
KRA’s reading ambassadors are not stopping here. They’ve pledged to continue weekly reading sessions during library lessons in the visited schools, proving that this was not just a one-time photo opportunity but also a sustained commitment to community growth.
As KRA marks its 30th anniversary, this book drive stands as a testament to how far the organisation has come, from a revenue collector to a development partner and community ally.
Dr Nyawanda’s message resonated deeply as the team concluded their journey.
“At KRA, we are redefining our role in society. We are beyond revenue. We are part of the communities we serve, and initiatives like this remind us why we do what we do: to build a better Kenya for all.”
From the crowded classrooms of Dandora to the art-filled halls of Dagoretti Special School, the two-day Book Drive revealed something profound: true service to the nation goes beyond policies and taxes.
It’s found in the joy of a child discovering their first storybook, the smile of a teacher who feels seen, and the hope of a community reminded that they matter.
In those moments, KRA didn’t just donate books. They told a bigger story, one of empathy, partnership and purpose. A story of inclusion. A story beyond revenue.
