Lawmakers are considering a bill meant to rename Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to Kenya Revenue Service.
According to the state, this move to rebrand Kenya Revenue Authority, is to make it customer friendly.
The state-backed KRA (Amendment) Bill, 2022 is due for first reading when the National Assembly resumes regular sittings on Tuesday, May 10.
“The principal object of the bill is to amend the Kenya Revenue Authority Act, 1995 by changing the name ‘Kenya Revenue Authority’ to ‘Kenya Revenue Service’,” Majority leader Amos Kimunya said in the bill’s memorandum.
The bill will amend other statutes, with references to the name Kenya Revenue Authority to reflect the new name.
According to Amos Kimunya, the name of the taxman is being changed to curb negative public perceptions about the agency.
“The public perception of the use of the word “authority “is that the word connotes a commandeering body rather than a friendly service-oriented institution,” Kimunya said.
Therefore, the change in name seeks to transform KRA’s public image, and as a result enhance tax compliance through improved public relations.
The majority leader added that, with rebranding, KRA will be enable to maintain a clear focus on taxpayers’ needs and rights.
Furthermore, Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani in April 7, during the presentation of the 2022-23 financial year budget revealed the rebranding plans to the National. Assembly.
He said this reform followed the expectation on government agencies to be sensitive and responsive to emerging customer needs.
“In this respect, the Kenya Revenue Authority has been on a journey of transformation to enhance customer-centric service delivery. “The change of the name is intended to rebrand the authority and transform its public image,” Yatani reported.
Kimunya reported that the bill would not interfere with operations of the taxman.
“The Service shall be the successor of the Kenya Revenue Authority existing immediately before the commencement of this Act. “Subject to this Act, all the rights, duties, obligations, assets and liabilities of the Kenya Revenue Authority existing at the commencement of this section shall be transferred to the Service,” the bill reads.
The proposed law also allows all employees of the agency and board members holding office before the commencement of this section to continue holding office as if they had been appointed under this Act.
Moreover, the bill provides that any reference to KRA in any document, instrument or proceedings will parse as reference to the newly created revenue service.
Several other laws to be changed include:
- The Anti-Counterfeit Act, 2008
- Betting Gaming and Lotteries Act (Cap131)
- Income Tax Act
- Air Passenger Service Act
- Stamp Duty Act
- Export Processing Zones Act
- Public Finance Management Act, 2012
- Value Added Tax Act, 2013
- Tax Appeals Tribunal Act, 2013,
- Special Economic Zones Act, 2015
- Tax Procedures Act, 2015
- Miscellaneous Fees and Levies Act, 2016
- Excise Duty Act, 2015.
