The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has intensified efforts to nurture a culture of tax compliance among young people, saying early awareness is key to building a responsible and informed taxpayer base. Current data shows that individuals aged between 21 and 30 years make up 42 per cent of registered taxpayers.
Speaking during a public lecture at the Kendu Adventist School of Medical Sciences (KASMS), KRA Commissioner for the Micro and Small Taxpayers Department, CPA George Obell, said the Authority is expanding continuous tax education through partnerships with institutions, communities and professional groups, including health workers and those in the gig economy.
Obell said KRA is rolling out specialised tax programmes for young health professionals and budding health entrepreneurs, supported by a dedicated help channel tailored for students and early‑stage practitioners preparing to enter private practice. He noted that access to accurate information is essential for young professionals to comply confidently.
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He emphasised that tax compliance is central to sustaining public services, particularly in the health sector. He said every compliant clinic, chemist, laboratory, consultancy or medical start‑up contributes to a system where mothers receive proper maternity care, children are vaccinated and emergencies are handled efficiently. The health sector, he added, contributed KSh43 billion in taxes during the 2024/2025 financial year.
To widen its reach, KRA is also training community‑based tax ambassadors who will help explain tax obligations, benefits and filing requirements in simple, accessible language. Obell said the Authority is “going to the ground” to ensure taxpayers receive guidance closer to where they live and work.
He further disclosed that KRA is in talks with education stakeholders to introduce tax education as early as high school, while maintaining strong engagement with colleges and training institutions to entrench voluntary compliance from a young age.
By Fredrick Odiero
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