KRA Intensifies Tax Education Drive to Build a Culture of Compliance Among Youth
A taxpayer can reach the Authority through its call center, the various social platforms, the USSD code *222#, the KRA website, or by visiting the closest office.
KRA Commissioner for the Micro and Small Taxpayers Department, CPA George Obell. Photo/Courtesy.
By Ruth Sang
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has stepped up its tax education campaigns with the aim of cultivating a high degree of tax compliance among the youth, given that statistics have just emerged that persons aged between 21 and 30 years constitute 42 percent of all taxpaying citizens.
KRA Commissioner for the Micro and Small Taxpayers Department, CPA George Obell, explained that the tax authority is extending continuous tax education through strategic partnerships with learning institutions, communities, and professional groups such as health professionals and members of the gig economy. The project aims to enroll youths into the taxation system early in life and arm them with the requisite knowledge to enable voluntary compliance with tax statutes.
“Our aim is the plain and simple: to see that no young professional is packed off to the rear because of their lack of information,” said Obell in a press release. In addition to that, it will also enable young taxpayers to become informed enough of their duties and their rights as citizens.
The Commissioner pointed out that there are specialized education programs created by KRA to assist young health practitioners and health-related entrepreneurs. These include specific training sessions and a health support line for health students and early-stage health practitioners planning to set up health practices.
Obell noted that tax compliance is essential for maintaining public services and specifically in the health sector. “A predictable and sustainable source of financing is required by every modern society that aspires to offer quality healthcare, quality education, quality infrastructure, and quality employment opportunities.”
He said that each compliant clinic, pharmacy, lab, consultancy, or medical startup directly affects pointed improvements in healthcare delivery outcomes such as maternity healthcare, immunization of children, emergency care functions, and ultimately accessible quality healthcare for all.
Although the health sector has highly benefited from taxation exemptions and incentives from the government, it is one of the key contributors to the national revenue. As estimated from the data presented by the KRA, it paid a total of Sh43 billion in taxes within the financial year of 2024/2025.
To reach out to a wider group of people, the KRA introduced Community-Based Tax Ambassadors to extend tax education beyond offices to the grass roots. They want to train people within the tax system to explain to taxpayers their obligations and benefits in a language everyone can comprehend and grasp, Obell explained.
Further, the Authority is in the process of discussing tax education at the high school level with the key stakeholders in the education sector. KRA aims to sustain its interaction with colleges and training institutions to instill the spirit of voluntary compliance from a young age.
KRA has appealed to all taxpayers to be cautious and ensure that they comply with the tax laws. A taxpayer can reach the Authority through its call center, the various social platforms, the USSD code *222#, the KRA website, or by visiting the closest office. The intensified education campaign marks an important milestone in Kenya’s efforts to build its revenue base through voluntary and sustainable tax compliance.
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