The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has issued a warning to businesses about tax evasion tactics such as smuggling, counterfeit stamps and fictitious invoices, saying these practices undermine compliant firms.

Commissioner General Adan Mohamed stressed that protecting revenue integrity is essential for fair competition, noting that compliant manufacturers should not be priced out by rivals using illegal methods.

Speaking at the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya’s 43rd Annual Seminar, Mohamed said KRA is strengthening accountability while improving access to tax services for businesses and individuals.

As part of the Finance Act 2026, KRA now requires importers to retain official export declarations or equivalent documents issued by the exporting country’s competent authority to support customs entries.

The new rule follows a comparison of China’s reported exports to Kenya—about US$10 billion (Ksh1.3 trillion)—with customs records that captured only US$5 billion (Ksh649.6 billion), raising concerns over undervaluation and missing imports.

KRA also highlighted its taxpayer assistance channels, including USSD codes, the Shuru WhatsApp bot and the Ushuru Mashinani outreach program, to help businesses meet compliance requirements.