Teachers Service Commission (TSC) was awarded today by the Kenya Revenue Authority for being the most supportive taxpayer under the Public Service Institution-PAYE (Pay As You Earn) category.
TSC was awarded in an event that was presided over by President Uhuru Kenyatta over the KRA’s annual taxpayers’ awards ceremony that appreciates taxpayer’s contribution to the government’s revenue collection efforts.
The commission was awarded this honour after demonstrating the highest levels of tax compliance through consistent filing and timely payment across all tax heads.
The agency similarly paid the highest amount of taxes when compared to other government agencies.
Categorised into nine different groupings, the following taxpayers were presented with the Presidential Distinguished Taxpayers’ Awards for the year 2020/2021.
In top Importer (National Deconsolidation Center), Evergreen Logitics Corporation was presented with the award that is presented to the taxpayer who supported the government’s initiative of deconsolidation and clearance of goods at the National Deconsolidation Centre.
“Top Exporter – James Finlay Mombasa Limited was handed this award having demonstrated high levels of compliance with customs laws despite handling high volumes of exports in the period under review,” stated KRA.
“Top Tax Payer (Regions) – Living Goods Limited, Diani Estate Limited, Consolata Hospital Nyeri and Diocese of Marsabit Registered Trustees were feted for being the leading tax payers in the Nairobi, Southern, Central and Northern regions respectively. Busia Sugar Industry, De Ruiter EA and the Noble Sacco Society Limited were also appreciated for being the top tax payers in the Western, South Rift and North Rift regions respectively.”
Standard Chartered Investment Services Limited was gifted the Highest Corporation Tax Yield.
The award is conferred upon the taxpayer who paid the highest corporation tax compared to their turnover in the period under review.
Most Facilitative Customs Taxpayer award was bestowed Kenya Trade Network Agency.
“This award is bestowed to the taxpayer who has linked government and private sector to access customs systems thereby increasing ease of doing business,” stated KRA.
Additionally, the Kenya Defence Forces was awarded the most facilitative Government agency in Tax Enforcement and Recovery.
The category is dedicated to the government agency that has consistently collaborated and partnered with KRA in facilitating key tax administration, tax compliance and enforcement initiatives across the border points within the financial year.
“UDV (Kenya) Limited was given top importer award for demonstrating the highest levels of compliance with Customs laws and for adhering to timely filing and payment of taxes.
UDV similarly handled the highest volumes of imports in the review period.
Premier Credit Ltd received the top medium tax payer award while Safaricom was gifted the Top Large Taxpayer award.
Further, the President officially launched the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System and The Integrated Scanner Command Centre.
The Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System, RECTS, is a web-based integrated system used to monitor transit cargo under Customs control in Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.
“Prompt payment of taxes has enabled the country to implement various development projects, including expansion of infrastructure, enhanced health services, free primary and secondary education, among others,” he said.
“I emphasize on the need to pay a lot more attention to tax collectors and payers since the Nation’s development and aspirations lie in their hands.”
He further directed the KRA to clamp down on Kenyans with fat income, but who do not pay taxes