(Kenya) – The Kenya School of Revenue Administration (KESRA) recently hosted its 21st graduation ceremony, emphasizing the importance of competence development in strengthening Kenya’s tax systems and mobilising revenue for the nation’s growth. The ceremony, held in Nairobi, attracted various government officials and tax professionals.
In her speech, delivered on her behalf by Director of TVET Joseph Njau, Dr. Esther Muoria, the Principal Secretary for the State Department of Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET), highlighted the significance of building a skilled workforce to ensure effective revenue mobilisation. Dr. Muoria stated that tax administration is at the heart of economic development and that developing the right competencies among citizens is crucial for enhancing tax compliance.
She further stressed that the path to successful revenue mobilisation in Kenya requires educating citizens and empowering them with the knowledge and skills needed to meet their tax obligations. Dr. Muoria said that developing human capital is essential for fostering good governance and advancing the nation’s economic goals. “A competent human capital is the bedrock of effective governance and economic development,” she added.
The Principal Secretary encouraged the graduates to embrace their new roles with integrity and dedication, urging them to contribute to the nation’s development by applying the skills they have gained. She also emphasised the importance of continuous personal growth, self-awareness, and patriotism in their future careers.
Humphrey Wattanga, the Commissioner General of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), echoed Dr. Muoria’s remarks and reiterated the importance of competence in tax administration. Wattanga explained that KRA is committed to equipping its workforce with the skills necessary to address the challenges of modern tax systems. He emphasised that the graduates would play a critical role in advancing Kenya’s economic development, particularly in the realm of tax administration.
Wattanga further pointed out that KRA is working on building a robust tax system that not only supports revenue mobilisation but also simplifies tax processes for citizens and businesses. In line with this, he announced that KRA had trained over 7,000 staff members in various programmes in the 2023-2024 financial year and would continue to invest in staff development in the future.
Looking ahead, Wattanga revealed that KRA is reintroducing its graduate training programme, aimed at providing new recruits with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to enhance Kenya’s tax administration systems. This initiative, according to Wattanga, will improve professional capabilities within the workforce and support the long-term sustainability of Kenya’s tax system.