NAIROBI: Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) will be counting on the roll-out of the new Cargo Management System (ICMS) coupled with other investments in technology to boost its tax revenue collection by sealing tax loopholes. KRA Commissioner John Njiraini said that the process of replacing the outdated Simba system with ICMS will be fast-tracked to ensure it is in place before the end of the year. Initially slated for last year, ICMS implementation had been halted by a law suit which was challenging the manner in which the tendering process was carried out.
However, KRA got a lifeline after the High Court dismissed the law suit in December last year. “ICT is not a choice for us but the only way through which we can deliver on our business. The new system is superior and will aid risk management, security targeting and valuation of cargo,” said Mr Njiraini yesterday during celebrations marking this year’s International Customs Day.
During the function, ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru who was represented by his permanent secretary, commended KRA for embracing new technologies saying it’s critical to efficient service delivery. With the new system, the taxman also hopes to improve governance in areas such as customs auctions by creating an online virtual platform. Further, it will provide better connectivity with the regional counterparts through exchange of data. The new system coupled with the ongoing roll-out of the ingle Window Platform, will enable those involved in international trade to conveniently transact from the comfort of their premises.
The system is an electronic platform that enables KRA officials clear import cargo — mostly destined for the neighbouring land-locked economies of Rwanda, Uganda, South Sudan, Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo — cheaper, faster and more efficiently. From this investment, the KRA boss said that he hopes to see additional revenue streams through curtailing negative practices such as tax evasion
Read more at: http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2000189461/kra-bets-on-it-investments-to-boost-tax-revenue
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