Treasury CS John Mbadi has challenged Kenya Revenue Authority officials to engage the best practices of morality while discharging their mandate of revenue collection.

Speaking during the commemoration of the authority’s 30th anniversary in Nairobi on Monday, September 1, 2025, Mbadi opened up about how his experience in the civil service opened his eyes to the suffering of Kenyans.

He opined that prudent use of collected revenue could go a long way in ensuring their government addresses the challenges in healthcare, education, and other essential sectors.

Duty to Kenyans

The CS revealed that much of the suffering could be remedied by the prudent use of taxes collected from Kenyans.

“We have a duty to Kenyans. Now that I have been in Treasury, my eyes have been opened, and I have seen the suffering of Kenyans. We have Kenyans who need medication and can’t afford it. Some of us are lucky, but we have Kenyans who can’t afford Ksh100,000, which some of you spend on lunch and dinner dates.

“It is possible if you collect money from Kenyans who should pay it and remit it as a whole,’ he challenged the officials.

While expressing optimism on the conduct of most employees, Mbadi urged the officials to prevail on others and dissuade them from misuse of Kenyan money.

“Let us get it right. I am appealing to your morality. I know many of us have those high standards; kindly appeal to the rest and tell them what you are doing is destroying this country,” he stated.

The CS assured that the government will also do due diligence in ensuring accountability and prudent use of the revenue collected from Kenyans.

“On our part, we will ensure we use the money prudently on capitation and other relevant needs,” he stated.

During the event that marked three decades of KRA’s dedicated service to the nation, the National Treasury committed to supporting the authority in realising its full potential and working closely with the legislature to ensure it is fully supported.