President William Ruto on Sunday, February 5, affirmed that a circular would be released; prohibiting state agencies from suing the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) over tax disputes.
Speaking during a Sunday Service at Deliverance Church International, in Ruai, Nairobi, Ruto noted that the directive would compel the government agencies to adopt other conflict resolution mechanisms as opposed to the court process.
The president noted that the move would save millions wasted in court cases due to paying hefty amounts to lawyers.
"What I have informed KRA is that all Kenyans are to be given a chance to pay taxes without any hindrance. I have told government agencies, that instead of paying taxes take KRA to court. We have told them to leave the court system and formalise a way with KRA on how to pay taxes.
"This is because the lawyers get rich out of this and the government loses in the end. In fact, there will be a circular that all government agencies cannot take KRA to court.
"If there is a challenge, let there be discussions between various agencies with KRA, sort issues out of court. We cannot use public money to sort out issues in court. We have to be united, seamless and organised," Ruto stated.
The head of state exuded confidence in the commitment from Kenyans to pay taxes and hence take a step closer in curbing the huge debt incurred by the past regimes.
"As a country, we have all agreed and built a consensus that irrespective of your status, all other considerations; whatever region you come from, whatever you prophess, there will be no waiver of taxes for anybody."
"It is the best way for us to cure the ailment of debts and that is to pay taxes," he pointed out.
The news came on the backdrop of the government's stance on lifting any form of tax waivers and ensuring all Kenyans pay taxes irrespective of their status. He added that this was in a bid to raise revenue and consequently develop the country.
“We all must pay taxes, including me. Tax waivers won’t be an option anymore. The only way to use our resources to develop Kenya is to pay your taxes,” Ruto stated during a service at Bomet Green Stadium, on Sunday, January 15.
