KRA Reveals How it Will Safely Use Taxpayer Data to Catch Tax Cheats

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has committed to safeguard taxpayer data  within its possession as it implements its digital transformation programme.

Speaking during a meeting with the Departmental Committee on Finance and Economic Planning, KRA Commissioner General, Mr Humphrey Wattanga, said the Authority is working closely with the Office of the Data Protection  Commissioner (ODPC) to implement a Data Minimisation Strategy that will  reduce risks pertaining to personal taxpayer data.

The KRA Commissioner General has said this is part of the wider Digital  Modernisation Strategy that KRA is rolling out under the 9th Corporate Plan.

“We have already put in place immediate measures to swiftly disable loopholes on our portals that could be maliciously exploited to access personal  taxpayer data,” Mr Wattanga said. “Our collaboration with the ODPC aims to ensure that we continuously improve the integrity of our systems, especially with regard to  access to third party data.”

His statement comes hot on the heels of KRA’s recent award of the ISO/IEC  27001:2022 certification for Information Security Management System, which affirms the Authority’s readiness to stand at the forefront of good governance,  data protection, and public accountability in the digital age.

He further said KRA is in the first phase of the implementation of a Digital Transformation Programme that is geared towards achieving a seamless  tax administration through a revamped IT infrastructure and end-to-end integrated ecosystem that enables real-time revenue collection.

“We have already deployed an API platform, GAVA Connect in which KRA  collaborates with Developers and Techies to create simpler solutions that foster tax simplification and drive voluntary compliance.” added the Commissioner  General.

KRA is currently piloting the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the management of cargo scanners along Kenya’s border points in order to drive efficient inspection and clearance of cargo entering the country.

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