Govt proposes change of name for KRA

The government has proposed a change of name for the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to the Kenya Revenue Service (KRS).

This was announced by the Treasury cabinet secretary Ukur Yatani during a presentation of the 2022/2023 Budget at the National Assembly. According to Yatani, the move is aimed at transforming the public image of the Authority.

“In order to align the operations of the Authority to this emerging trend, I propose to amend the Kenya Revenue Authority Act to change the name of the Authority from ‘Kenya Revenue Authority’ to ‘Kenya Revenue Service’,” Yatani said.

According to Yatani, the change of name will encourage tax compliance through improved public relations and maintain a clear focus on taxpayers’ needs.

“I have also proposed consequential amendments to other statutes which have reference to the name ‘Kenya Revenue Authority’ and align them to the proposed new name,” he added.

The talk of KRA changing its name to KRS was first floated by the Authority on December 29, 2021, through a tweet that sought public views on the change of name.

“What are your thoughts around transitioning from Kenya Revenue Authority to Kenya Revenue Service?” the tweet read.

The CS has also proposed an introduction of a 15 per cent excise duty on revenue from advertisements on alcohol, betting and gaming brands.

“I propose to introduce excise duty of 15 per cent on fees charged by all television stations, print media, billboards, and radio stations for advertisements of alcoholic beverages, betting, and gaming,” Yatani said.

Yatani also proposed an exemption from excise duty for locally manufactured passenger motor vehicles. This is aimed at encouraging investment in this sector and enhancing the competitiveness of locally manufactured passenger motor vehicles

He has also proposed an exemption on value-added tax (VAT) on medical oxygen supplied to registered hospitals, urine bags, adult diapers, artificial breasts and colostomy or ileostomy bags for medical use.