The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has launched a web-based anonymous reporting solution dubbed iWhistle, at a virtual function graced by President Uhuru Kenyatta, today.

The KRA iWhistle solution will enable the public to anonymously report and provide tax crime leads and its launch was one of the highlights at the annual KRA Taxpayers’ Day Celebrations. The online reporting solution, will be conveniently accessed through the web link https://iwhistle.kra.go.ke.

Credible information tips received on the iWhistle and leading to collection of revenue on tax fraud or tax evasion schemes, Mburu confirmed will receive cash rewards of up to Kes 2 million per case as stipulated by law (KRA Act cap 469 chapter 5A).

Tax evasion and other economic crimes impede effective mobilisation of domestic financial resources required for national development.  The iWhistle solution has been developed as part of KRA’s efforts to curb revenue leakages through various tax evasion schemes. The schemes include failure by taxpayers to pay Customs Duty,  tax fraud, failure by a taxpayer to submit tax returns by the due date, concealment, mis-declaration, smuggling of goods, manufacturing of counterfeit goods amongst others. 

KRA has over the years undertaken various measures to enforce and inculcate a tax-paying culture among taxpayers. These include initiatives such as the implementation of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), mechanisms such as tax tribunal, enhanced litigation (court process), agreed payment plans, engagements with taxpayers through various educational programmes. Other initiatives include the automation of business processes such as iTax, Integrated Customs Management System, Excise Goods Management System (EGMS) and Regional Electronic Goods Tracking System (RECTS) which are aimed at minimizing human contact which can lead to comprising circumstances between taxpayers and KRA employees.

The introduction of iwhistle underscores KRA’s commitment to ensuring that Kenya achieves its social, economic and development goal being the government’s revenue collection agency.

During the KRA Taxpayers’ Day celebrations, which was held virtually, President Uhuru Kenyatta  awarded distinguished taxpayers for their resilience, dedication and compliance. The taxpayers, who include corporates and individuals were feted for tax compliance.

The National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Amb, Ukur Yatani, KRA Board Chairman Amb. (Dr) Francis Muthaura and KRA Commissioner General Mr. Githii Mburu also attended the event.

The Taxpayers Day marks the end of the Taxpayers Month, which kicked off on 5^th October and was marked with various activities including the 6^th Annual Tax Summit. This year’s Taxpayers Month is themed; “Enhancing Tax Administration for Economic Sustainability,” and takes place on a special year when KRA commemorates its 25th anniversary.

Every year, KRA has dedicated the month of October to carry out activities geared towards honouring and appreciating taxpayers for their valuable contribution towards revenue collection.  The activities also act as a platform to encourage citizens to pay their fair share of taxes towards the country’s economic development.

The President awarded the following taxpayer categories for substantially contributing to the generation of domestic revenue:

Deputy Commissioner-Marketing and Communication