The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is ramping up efforts to expand the tax base. To achieve this, the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) and the Authority are developing exclusive e-resources on taxation for CBC students.
Integration of tax education into mainstream learning will allow students in the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) to learn simplified tax concepts.
KRA will create digital learning tools that integrate tax concepts into core subjects like Business Studies, Math, English, Kiswahili, and Social Studies. This will help students build a strong foundation in taxation. They will learn the purpose of tax and its role in society.
“By learning about taxes at an early age, students become more informed and responsible citizens,” said KRA Commissioner General Mr Humphrey Wattanga.
This program aims to change how Kenyans view taxes. By teaching students, it hopes to make them more compliant taxpayers in the future.
Mr. Wattanga added, “contributing to a long-term shift towards a society that values a fair and efficient tax system.“
Dr. Samuel Obudho, Senior Deputy Director for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), emphasized the importance of the KICD-KRA partnership. He stated that this collaboration creates a powerful way for KRA to reach a large number of students.
Dr. Obudho explained that KICD will work hand-in-hand with KRA to develop modern digital resources on tax literacy. These resources will include interactive simulations designed to shape students’ views and feelings about taxes positively.
KRA and KICD partnership commenced with primary and secondary school students and will progress to tertiary education, targeting potential taxpayers.
The e-resources will cater to a broad audience, encompassing students from junior and senior schools, upper primary, and early childhood education, as well as teacher trainees at all levels and the general public.
KRA has collected over Ksh 1.03 trillion in taxes by December 8, 2023. This represents 37% of their target for the entire 2023/24 financial year.
It is hoped that better tax literacy will help them reach annual targets.
