Let’s seek balance, not fault, in KRA debate

While such reflections are understandable in the wake of a tragedy, the discussion must remain measured, factual, and fair.

Despite the many concerns, it is true that KRA is not merely an arm of enforcement, it is equally the engine that fuels public services, infrastructure, and national development.

Let me begin by emphasising that no life should ever be lost because of a tax dispute. Revenue collection must never come at the cost of human dignity.

As a nation, we must always remember that taxation is not merely about collecting money, it is about sustaining trust and enabling the shared progress of our society.

Across the world, tax authorities face the delicate balance of collecting revenue without stifling enterprise. Kenya is no exception. The KRA operates under the law, guided by policies that have been debated, legislated, and approved through public processes. Its mandate is not self-imposed; it is a national responsibility.

Read: Taxpayer death in Kisumu puts KRA approach under spotlight

Taxes fund the roads we drive on, the schools that educate our children, and the hospitals that serve millions of Kenyans. Without revenue, there can be no sustainable development. To demonise KRA wholesale is to overlook the essential role it plays in keeping the wheels of government turning.

Though not yet where it supposed to be, we must agree that, over the years, the KRA has been transforming from a rigid collector into a service-oriented organisation.

The introduction of the iTax system, eTIMS, and voluntary disclosure programmes has made compliance easier and more transparent.

Thousands of taxpayers now file and pay taxes from the comfort of their phones, a far cry from the bureaucratic systems of the past.

The authority has also increased its engagement with stakeholders, from citizen assemblies to professional bodies and business associations, in an effort to make tax policy more responsive. These are not the actions of an institution bent on “desolation,” but of one trying to balance its duty with compassion.

Though trying, the Kisumu incident was deeply unfortunate, and until investigations are concluded, it would be premature to draw conclusions about the whole sad occurrence.

Linking the tragedy directly to institutional policy risks oversimplifying a complex issue.

The taxman works under immense pressure to meet national targets and keep the country running. To cast them as villains ignores the dedication of the authority to sustain the economy of this country.

For Kenya to achieve true economic independence, taxation must be seen as a shared civic duty, not a punishment. Compliance and fairness must go hand in hand. While taxpayers fulfill their obligations, the KRA should continue to refine its systems to make compliance seamless and humane.

Constructive dialogue, not condemnation, is what will move Kenya forward. The KRA has shown willingness to listen and adapt; now citizens, too, must play their part by coming out strongly to engage the tax agency.

At the heart of this debate lies a simple truth: no nation can prosper without an effective tax system. Criticism has its place, but it should be tempered with recognition of progress and an understanding of the complexities of public finance.

Rather than framing the KRA as an enemy of the people, we should see it as a partner in national growth, one that is learning, evolving, and striving to serve better. Reform is not achieved overnight, but it begins with dialogue grounded in balance.

Okoth Agonda is a Tax Communication Strategist and Adviser