(Nairobi) – The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is reintroducing its Graduate Trainee Program as part of its wider plan to expand its training initiatives across the country. This move aims to enhance KRA’s human resource capacity in line with the objectives set out in its 9th Corporate Plan.
During the 21st graduation ceremony of the Kenya School of Revenue Administration (KESRA) at the Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi, KRA Commissioner General, Mr. Humphrey Wattanga, shared the news with the audience. He highlighted the significant role that the Graduate Trainee Program has played in the past in equipping staff with essential skills and knowledge.
Mr. Wattanga expressed his excitement about reintroducing the program, noting that it has historically been an effective way of developing a skilled workforce. “This financial year, we are bringing back the Graduate Trainee Program, which has proven to be instrumental in imparting vital skills to our staff,” he said.
The Commissioner General also pointed out that significant infrastructure improvements have been made at KESRA’s Mombasa Campus. These enhancements are expected to increase the campus’s capacity to host more training programs and accommodate a larger number of learners. He added that further efforts are being made to implement a comprehensive campus master plan that will allow KESRA to expand its reach and further strengthen its operations across the country.
“Our investment in infrastructure and human resource development remains a priority as we work towards enhancing the overall capacity of KESRA and improving tax administration in Kenya,” Mr. Wattanga said.
He emphasized that given the rapidly changing global landscape, it is critical for the tax authority to continually invest in new knowledge and skills to stay competitive and resilient. The ability to adapt and respond effectively to evolving challenges in tax administration, compliance, and policy is vital to KRA’s success. He added that training and investment in skills are essential for innovation, adaptability, and overall effectiveness.
This year’s graduation ceremony saw 682 individuals complete various training courses related to tax, customs, and logistics. Mr. Wattanga praised the graduates for their commitment to enhancing the country’s tax and customs systems. “As we work to strengthen our tax systems and mobilize revenue, building capacity within the region is more important than ever,” he said, reflecting the theme of this year’s ceremony: “Building Capacity to Strengthen Tax Systems and Mobilize Revenue Within the Region.”
KESRA, which is the largest of the four accredited World Customs Organization (WCO) Regional Training Centres in East and Southern Africa, has been instrumental in providing capacity-building programs in areas such as tax administration, customs administration, and fiscal policy. In the 2023/2024 financial year, over 7,000 KRA staff members participated in various training programs facilitated by KESRA.