remarks by mr. mg waweru - cbs, commissioner general, kenya ...

The Department has been reaching out to taxpayers through tax clinics and mobile cinemas offered at
remote locations thereby bringing services closer to the taxpayers. To enhance service delivery in these
locations of the country, the Authority has now procured a Mobile Taxpayer Services Unit bus which
we are launching today. With the bus, we will now be able to efficiently offer the following services,
among others, on a mobile platform:
• Instant issuance of PIN certificate,
• Registration of Turnover Taxpayers,
• Processing of VAT applications,
• Renewal of Driving Licences and
• Verification of drivers and motor vehicle records.
The bus will also facilitate the distribution of educational materials, receiving tax returns, conducting
taxpayer education activities in general and screening KRA documentaries and infomercials.
Ladies and Gentlemen, over the years, the volume of the Road Transport Department operations has
greatly expanded. Seven years ago, the department registered approximately 30,000 vehicles annually.
Currently, over 100,000 are registered. This significant rise can be attributed partly to the fact that
motorcycles and tri-cycles are now replacing boda boda bicycles in the provision of transport services.
The Kenyan consumer has also developed a peculiar motor purchasing habit. When purchasing a motor
vehicle, they pay more attention to its registration number than its age. Hence, a vehicle with lower
mileage reading but with an ‘old’ registration number would attract fewer buyers than a vehicle with
more mileage but with a recent registration number. As a result, the rate at which KRA changes number
plates from one series to another has grown tremendously.
It is against this background that the Authority, in conjunction with the Ministry of Transport, decided
to introduce unique registration numbers for motorcycles, tri-cycles, tractors, forklifts and heavy
machinery. During the 2009 Taxpayers’ Week celebrations, therefore, the Authority launched a unique
registration number for motorcycles. Today, we shall launch unique registration numbers for tractors
and three wheeler vehicles, commonly known as Tuk Tuk.
In conclusion, Ladies and Gentlemen, I wish to affirm that KRA is up to the task of delivering the
requisite financial resources needed to steer our country to full financial and economic independence.
However, this can only be achieved if all eligible taxpayers demonstrate patriotism by voluntarily
complying with tax laws. I, therefore, appeal to all taxpayers and Kenyans in general to emulate our
heroes and heroines, who fought to bring this country’s independence, by carrying out their patriotic
duty of paying their right share of taxes and ensure that our country becomes truly independent.
Tulipe Ushuru Tujitegemee!
Thank you.
M. G. Waweru, CBS
COMMISSIONER GENERAL
2