President William Ruto issued a stern warning to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) in response to a surge in public complaints about undue harassment at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

Speaking at the 2023 Taxpayers' Day event in Mombasa County on November 3, President Ruto emphasized the importance of employing modern technology for a more efficient and streamlined tax collection process. He highlighted the potential for KRA to generate sufficient revenue for public services without causing distress to taxpayers.

Ruto stressed the need for a balanced approach, underscoring that integrating technology into tax administration could provide a pivotal solution to address issues like tax evasion, wastage, and overall effectiveness.

"It is entirely feasible for the Kenya Revenue Authority to collect ample tax revenue to support our investments in public services without subjecting taxpayers to harassment. The integration of technology into tax administration will mitigate such issues, reduce evasion, minimize wastage, and enable efficient and effective tax collection," he stated.

Simultaneously, Treasury CS Njuguna Ndung'u clarified that no new taxes have been imposed on personal effects of travelers and directed KRA officials to treat passengers with respect and fairness.

These actions come in the wake of a series of grievances expressed by Kenyan citizens regarding alleged harassment by KRA officials, particularly at JKIA. Many individuals shared their stories of interactions with KRA, recounting instances where they were coerced into paying significant taxes or surrendering personal items upon their arrival in the country.

The heart of the issue revolves around KRA's policy, which mandates that individuals must pay taxes for items valued at $500 (Sh75,000) and above.