Nairobi: The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has ramped up its efforts to instill a culture of tax compliance among the youth, specifically targeting individuals aged 21 to 30 years who currently represent 42 percent of registered taxpayers. This initiative aims to integrate young citizens into the tax system at an early stage, ensuring they understand their responsibilities and the importance of tax contributions.
According to Kenya News Agency, KRA Commissioner-In-Charge of the Micro and Small Taxpayers Department, CPA George Obell, announced the Authority’s commitment to expanding continuous tax education through collaborations with institutions, communities, and professional groups, including health workers and those in the gig economy. This strategic approach is designed to reach various sectors, providing specialized support and education.
The Commissioner emphasized their dedication to supporting young health professionals and entrepreneurs by offering specialized tax education programs and a dedicated support channel tailored for health students and early-stage medical practitioners. The aim is to prepare them as they transition into private practice, ensuring they are equipped with necessary tax knowledge. ‘Our goal is simple: to ensure that no young professional is left behind or disadvantaged due to a lack of information,’ stated Commissioner Obell.
Commissioner Obell highlighted the vital role of tax compliance in sustaining public services, particularly within the healthcare sector, which relies on predictable and sustainable financing for quality service provision. He noted that tax-compliant medical entities contribute to a system where necessary health services are accessible to all citizens.
In addition to education efforts, Commissioner Obell revealed that the health sector, a major recipient of government tax exemptions and incentives, contributed Sh43 billion in taxes during the 2024/2025 financial year. To further extend its educational reach, KRA is training community-based tax ambassadors to bring tax education closer to the people, beyond KRA offices. ‘We are going to the ground,’ he stated, emphasizing the importance of having knowledgeable individuals within the taxpayer system.
Moreover, KRA is exploring the introduction of tax education at the high school level, engaging with key education stakeholders to promote voluntary compliance from an early age. The Authority plans to maintain focused engagements with colleges and training institutions to nurture this culture among young citizens.
