Nairobi: The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has reaffirmed its commitment to building a future-ready workforce and strengthening succession planning for the next generation of tax administrators through the reintroduction of the Graduate Trainee Programme. This initiative is anchored at the Kenya School of Revenue Administration (KeSRA) and aims to accelerate digital transformation in tax administration, deepen institutional partnerships, and empower the next generation of tax revenue administrators.
According to Kenya News Agency, KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga highlighted KRA’s dedication to investing in people development as a key component of the ongoing digital transformation agenda. Speaking during the 22nd KeSRA Graduation Ceremony, themed ‘Future Ready: Enhancing Digital Skills for Simplified Revenue Administration,’ Wattanga noted that over 5,000 KRA staff have been trained this financial year. The reintroduction of the Graduate Trainee Programme is intended to strengthen succession planning and cultivate leaders capable of navigating modern tax systems.
The Commissioner General expressed confidence that the graduating cohort of 674 students will play a vital role in boosting compliance, expanding the tax base, and enhancing service efficiency. The training will equip graduates to enhance KRA’s key service delivery platforms, including the electronic Tax Invoice Management System (eTIMS), the iwhistle whistleblower portal, the Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS), and the integrated Tax Management System (iTAX). These platforms collectively enable real-time data exchange, automation, improved compliance, and more seamless taxpayer experiences.
KRA Board Chairman Ndiritu Muriithi commended KESRA’s growth into a continental Centre of Excellence, highlighting its recognition and certification by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) as a regional training center for East and Southern Africa tax administrators. Muriithi praised KESRA’s continued collaboration with both local and international institutions, including IOM, TradeMark Africa (TMA), the Special Economic Zones Authority, the National Defence University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, and Moi University.
KeSRA stands as the largest of the four accredited World Customs Organization (WCO) Regional Training Centres in East and Southern Africa, providing capacity enhancement programs in Tax Administration, customs administration, and Fiscal Policy. Centum Investment Company Plc Group CEO Dr. James Mworia emphasized the importance of digital transformation in building a transparent and responsive tax ecosystem. He commended KESRA and KRA for championing innovation and prioritizing digital skills development at a time when tax administrations globally are restructuring their operations through advanced technology.
