Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has found itself under scrutiny following revelations of massive tax evasion involving Tecno and other Chinese companies operating in the country.
Blogger Cyprian Nyakundi has accused the smartphone manufacturer of evading over Ksh. 400 billion in taxes through schemes allegedly enabled by corrupt KRA officials.
This is part of a broader trend, with many Chinese firms registering single entities to trade across unrelated industries, effectively exploiting regulatory loopholes to avoid taxation.
KRA headquarters in Nairobi. Photo: Citizen TV Kenya Source: Facebook
These practices come at a time when KRA is struggling to meet its revenue targets. Recently, the agency reported a shortfall of Ksh. 163 billion, collecting Ksh. 1.1 trillion instead of the expected Ksh. 1.2 trillion.
This failure has raised questions about whether KRA’s leadership is doing enough to curb corporate tax evasion. Nyakundi alleges that some senior officials within KRA accept bribes to protect these companies, stalling investigations into their financial misconduct.
The issue has left a sour taste in the mouths of ordinary Kenyans, who see this as a blatant case of double standards. While the government continues to impose heavy taxes on citizens, large corporations like Tecno seemingly walk free.
A raid on Tecno’s Nairobi offices last year uncovered documents and cash that pointed to questionable practices, yet no significant action has been taken. The silence from both KRA and the implicated firms only adds to the public’s frustration.
Meanwhile, Kenyans are grappling with harsh tax policies under President William Ruto’s administration. From increased VAT on fuel to a mandatory housing levy, ordinary citizens are being forced to shoulder a heavier financial burden.
Worse, the money they contribute seems to vanish into wasteful spending.
A recent report from Auditor General Nancy Gathungu revealed that the Office of the Deputy President, under Prof. Kithure Kindiki, spent Ksh. 875 million in just three months—equivalent to Ksh. 6,600 per minute.
As Kenyans endure rising costs and dwindling incomes, the growing list of scandals involving corporations and government agencies underscores the urgent need for accountability.
Who will stand up for the taxpayers? For now, the silence from KRA and Tecno continues to echo louder than words.
