KRA Begins Door-to-Door Crackdown in Nairobi

A KRA van spotted during a crackdown in Nairobi on Thursday, March 18, 2021.
A KRA van spotted during a crackdown in Nairobi on Thursday, March 18, 2021.
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Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) on Thursday, March 18, announced that it had launched a door-to-door crackdown on Nairobi businesses.

In a statement, the authority noted that the exercise, which was a collaboration between itself and Nairobi County Government, would last for a period of 10 days.

The exercise targets the renewal of permits among other functions.

"A team of KRA Nairobi County revenue officials is on a 10-day activation exercise across the county in conjunction with officers from the Nairobi City County Government as the renewal of county permits and licenses continues.

KRA staff inspects a business during a door-to-door crackdown on Nairobi businesses on Thursday, March 18, 2021.
KRA staff inspects a business during a door-to-door crackdown on Nairobi businesses on Thursday, March 18, 2021.
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"KRA is collecting revenue pursuant to the deed of transfer appointing KRA as the principal revenue collecting agent for the county," read the statement in part.

Under the deed of transfer, the taxman took charge of eight revenue clusters including Land Rates, Single Business Permit and Billboards & adverts.

Others are Loading zones, Ground rent, fire inspection, food hygiene and Way leave.

"Pursuant to the Deed of Transfer of functions from the Nairobi City County Government (NCCG) to the National Government dated 25th February 2020, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) was appointed as the Principal Agent for collection of all Nairobi City County revenue," read a statement from KRA.

KRA took over the services beginning January 1, 2021 after former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko signed a deed to transfer four key functions to the national government.

The former county boss signed the deed on February 25, 2020, in the presence of President Uhuru Kenyatta and Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, but later claimed he did not have an opportunity to read it.

The functions transferred included County Health services, County Transport services, County Public Works, Utilities and Ancillary services and County Government Planning and Development.

The handover was reportedly made to ensure residents receive services efficiently. 

Most Nairobians have, hailed Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) for good infrastructural work done since it was instituted to take over some of the functions.

KRA offices in Nairobi.
A file image of the reception area at KRA offices in Nairobi.
KRA
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