Reporting tax cheats is no longer just a moral duty but a lucrative opportunity for Kenyans after the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) rolled out a reward scheme that pays whistleblowers five per cent of the tax recovered, with a maximum payout of Sh5 million per case.

And Kenyans are listening. Since the launch, 246 corruption cases have been reported through iWhistle, KRA’s web-based platform that allows anonymous tips on tax evasion and malpractice. The reported cases have exposed Sh4.39 billion in revenue at risk, signaling that Kenyans are ready to blow the whistle when the price is right.

No turning back

“We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to those who abuse our systems,” warned KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga. He was firm in his stance during a strategic meeting with Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) chief executive Abdi Mohamud, where they discussed joint strategies to combat corruption, money laundering, tax fraud, and evasion.

The promise of cash rewards isn’t just about reclaiming lost taxes; it’s about restoring public confidence in the tax system. By empowering ordinary citizens to report wrongdoing, KRA is effectively crowd-sourcing its fight against corruption.

This whistleblower approach is shaking up the old culture of silence. The scheme doesn’t just pay for information; it protects informers through iWhistle’s anonymity, ensuring they face no backlash. “Our collaboration with EACC is not just strategic; it is a moral imperative,” Wattanga emphasized, underscoring KRA’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption.

KRA is also cleaning house too. In the second quarter of the 2024/25 financial year, 19 staff members were fired for integrity issues, a significant increase from the nine dismissals during the same period last year.

Internal checks, lifestyle audits

Meanwhile, only eight staff were cleared of allegations, down from 23 the previous year, reflecting KRA’s tough stance.

KRA’s internal checks also include lifestyle audits, system reviews targeting corruption loopholes, and an Integrity Award Framework to celebrate ethical behavior among its staff. “This initiative is crucial for cultivating a culture of integrity,” Wattanga said.

The partnership between KRA and EACC is leveraging their strengths for better intelligence sharing, joint investigations, and coordinated anti-corruption strategies.  “This collaboration is crucial in expanding our efforts to eradicate corruption and uphold the rule of law. Together, we can foster an environment that discourages corrupt practices, tax evasion, and promotes ethical business conduct,” said Mohamud.

With a target of Sh2.684 trillion for the 2024/25 financial year, KRA is leaving nothing to chance. From rewarding whistleblowers to tightening internal controls, the agency is determined to meet its revenue goals. With millions at stake, the taxman is hoping that more Kenyans will soon be whispering to iWhistle.