President Uhuru Kenyatta has moved to offer monetary enticement for more Kenyans to perform what is arguably one of the most dangerous albeit patriotic assignments in the country.
The head of state ordered the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to increase the Informant Reward Scheme from the current Ksh2 million to Ksh5 million.
Speaking during the virtual 17th edition of the Taxpayers Day, on Friday, November 6, President Uhuru noted that the directive would encourage more Kenyans to become whistleblowers against tax fraudsters.
“This will improve the trust and confidence of taxpayers in the tax system as well as allowing the State to dramatically reduce revenue leakage and recover taxes that had been lost,” he pointed out.
The directive to increase the kitty is meant to serve as an extra incentive in the fight against tax evasion/ fraud cases in the country.
The President noted that through the iWhistle platform, cases of tax malpractices, frauds, unethical behaviour by KRA staff would ultimately fade.
He further directed KRA to work with the Office of the Attorney General to ensure informers are protected and placed on the witness protection program.
"This directive marks a milestone in entrenching of the good ethos of governance and fight against corruption and tax evasion," Uhuru said.
He also commended the efforts and resolutions enhanced by the tax authority during the Covid-19 period. This saw the authority collect Ksh1.61 trillion, a new record compared to the previous Ksh1.58 Trillion collected in the 2018/19 financial year.
He, however, warned KRA to be vigilant in its fight against tax evasion and ramp up measures to curb illegal smuggling and counterfeits.
"Paying taxes without coercion is key to national development and security. With due to dedication and diligence as a country we can achieve tremendous gains," he said.
The President's order, although sweet, puts Kenyans on the spot as the choice of blowing the whistle, particularly on high-profile graft suspects, could lead to an ultimate downfall.
The late David Sadera Munyakei is remembered for dying a poor man whilst he blew the whistle on the Ksh60 billion Goldenberg scandal that rocked the country during Moi's tenure.
The whistleblower emerged in 2003 before the Goldenberg Commission of Inquiry in 2003 to testify in sheer hope that justice would be served. He ultimately met his demise when he died due to lack of access to medicine.
Most recently the man credited for unearthing the Anglo Leasing scandal John Githongo, was ordered to churn out Ksh27 million and pay former Cabinet Minister Chris Murungaru for defamation.
