Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Chairperson and economist Ndiritu Muriithi has unveiled an ambitious vision to reform Kenya’s tax system, aiming to make it fairer, broader, and more efficient.

Speaking during an interview on Spice FM on October 9, 2025, Muriithi said his top priority is to ease the pressure on salaried workers and formal businesses by expanding the country’s tax base.

“It’s an opportunity for me to transform the Kenya Revenue Authority into a Kenya Revenue Service, to expand the tax base so that the burden doesn’t fall solely on formal companies or individuals with payslips,” he said.

Muriithi emphasized that effective tax collection must be fair and transparent, ensuring that it supports growth rather than stifling it.

“We must ensure tax collection is efficient, fair, and does not place unnecessary burdens on Kenyans or businesses,” he added.

The KRA Chair also highlighted the importance of Kenya’s credit rating, noting that it reflects the country’s reputation and reliability in the global financial market.

“A country’s credit rating shows how likely it is to repay its debts, and Kenya’s score tells the world how much confidence lenders have in our economy,” he explained.

Addressing the struggles of many working Kenyans, Muriithi pointed to real wages as a key economic indicator.

“Real wages tell us how far a Kenyan’s salary can actually go after adjusting for inflation. When prices rise faster than pay, purchasing power drops, meaning workers earn more on paper but live with less in reality,” he said.

Muriithi’s remarks come at a time when Kenyans are calling for fairer taxation and relief from rising living costs.

His proposed shift from a “Revenue Authority” to a “Revenue Service” underscores his commitment to modernizing KRA and building a tax system that works for everyone, not just those with payslips.