The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Commissioner General (CG) HE Dr Musalia Mudavadi plans to use artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of things (IoT), big data, and blockchain to improve tax administration, enhance transparency, and tackle tax evasion.

The Commissioner General announced this at the recently held KRA Summit 2024 in the Kenyan capital Nairobi. The Summit was held from 7 to 9 October 2024, and brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from various sectors to discuss the future of taxation and how to foster economic growth anchored on technology, especially Artificial Intelligence.

The KRA Summit 2024 is a premier gathering that brings together global and regional experts to discuss and shape the future of customs and tax in Africa. This summit, hosted by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), unites the Africa Customs and Tax Conference (ACTC) and the Annual Tax Summit into a single, impactful event.

“KRA recognises the transformative power of technology in taxpayer services and operational efficiency. Our ongoing policy reforms and modernisation efforts include implementing Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), AI, and Machine Learning, which will be pivotal for enhancing revenue mobilisation through improved efficiency and compliance. APIs will facilitate seamless data exchange between KRA and taxpayers, streamlining tax filing and payment processes,” said the Commissioner General.

He reiterated that the integration of APIs, AI, and Machine Learning will not only boost tax collection but also foster trust and transparency within the tax system. He urged tax administrations to adopt a collaborative approach to enhance their capacity to detect, deter, and address tax evasion while fostering accountability in the global financial system.

The KRA is focused on making tax collection simpler and more transparent. By improving communication channels, offering personalised services, and enhancing taxpayer education, KRA aims to make the tax process more user-friendly and less intimidating for all Kenyans.