KRA Suggests Tax Amnesty May Not Return After Current Programme

Chief of Staff Felix Kosgei at the KRA Service Desk

The Kenya Revenue Authority has suggested that the ongoing tax amnesty programme could be the last of its kind. The agency says repeated waivers have sparked growing concerns among taxpayers who consistently meet their obligations.

KRA Chief Manager for Policy Josephine Mugure made the remarks during a stakeholder forum discussing tax compliance. She said feedback received from taxpayers has raised questions about the fairness of offering repeated relief to defaulters.

KRA Explains Concerns Over Future Waivers

Mugure said many taxpayers believe repeated amnesties discourage people from paying taxes on time. She explained that compliant taxpayers often feel disadvantaged whenever penalties and interest are waived for those with arrears.

According to the official, stakeholders shared these concerns during discussions on the Finance Act 2026. The issue, she noted, has also featured in engagements involving Members of Parliament.

Honest Taxpayers Demand Equal Treatment

Mugure revealed that some taxpayers have questioned why they receive no benefit after paying penalties and interest promptly. She said many now argue that equal treatment should apply to everyone under the tax system.

The KRA official observed that public awareness surrounding tax compliance has continued increasing in recent years. She added that this growing scrutiny may influence future decisions regarding tax relief programmes.

Current Amnesty Still Available

Despite the concerns, the ongoing tax amnesty remains open for eligible taxpayers across the country. The programme allows qualifying applicants to receive a waiver on penalties, interest, and fines attached to older tax debts.

The relief covers tax liabilities that accumulated on or before December 31, 2025. However, applicants must first clear the principal tax before benefiting from the waiver.

Taxpayers Must Apply Before Deadline

Eligible taxpayers can settle outstanding amounts through a one-time payment or an approved payment plan. KRA requires all applications to be completed through its online tax portal before the programme expires.

The current amnesty began on July 1, 2026, and will remain available until December 31, 2026. Officials have encouraged taxpayers with qualifying arrears to complete the process before the deadline passes.

Programme Follows Earlier Tax Relief Initiatives

The latest amnesty forms part of several tax relief programmes introduced by KRA in recent years. Earlier initiatives covered different periods as the government sought to encourage voluntary tax compliance.

Since launching its first amnesty in September 2023, KRA has rolled out additional windows targeting taxpayers with outstanding arrears. The current programme continues those efforts while debate grows over whether similar opportunities should return in the future.