KRA Targets Youth to Boost Early Tax Compliance

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has intensified efforts to onboard young people into the tax system early, noting that individuals aged between 21 and 30 make up 42 per cent of all taxpayers.

Speaking during a public lecture at the Kendu Adventist School of Medical Sciences (KASMS) on Monday, December 15, KRA Commissioner for Micro and Small Taxpayers George Obell said most people in this age group are either entering formal employment or starting small businesses, and therefore require support-focused engagement rather than strict enforcement.

“Our data shows that the 21 to 30 age bracket forms the largest share of taxpayers. These are young people just beginning their careers or entrepreneurial journeys, and they need guidance to understand their tax obligations,” Obell said.

He noted that low-income earners already benefit from various relief measures, including a tax-free threshold for individuals earning below Sh25,000 per month.

“Our goal is to introduce taxpayers to the system early and provide timely tax education so that compliance becomes a natural habit rather than something enforced,” he added.

Obell further said KRA is expanding continuous tax education through partnerships with learning institutions, community groups and professional bodies, including health workers and participants in the gig economy.

To extend its reach beyond KRA offices, the authority is also training community-based tax ambassadors to support taxpayer education at the grassroots level.

“We are taking tax education to the people. By training individuals within communities, we ensure tax obligations, benefits and filing requirements are explained in a simple and relatable way,” he said.

The commissioner acknowledged feedback from young taxpayers who view paying taxes as a civic responsibility but find the system complex and information difficult to access.