Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has committed to safeguarding taxpayer data within its possession as it implements its digital transformation program.
Speaking during a meeting with the Departmental Committee on Finance and Economic Planning, KRA Commissioner General, Humphrey Wattanga, has said the Authority is working closely with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) to implement a Data Minimization Strategy that will reduce risks about personal taxpayer data.
The KRA Commissioner General has said this is part of the wider Digital Modernization Strategy that KRA is rolling out under the 9th Corporate Plan. He said, “We have already implemented immediate measures to swiftly disable loopholes on our portals that could be maliciously exploited to access personal taxpayer data. Our collaboration with the ODPC aims to ensure that we continuously improve the integrity of our systems, especially regarding access to third-party data.”
His statement follows KRA’s recent award of the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification for the Information Security Management System, which affirms the Authority’s readiness to lead in good governance, data protection, and public accountability in the digital age.
He further said KRA is currently in the first phase of the implementation of a Digital Transformation Programme that is geared towards achieving a seamless tax administration through a revamped IT infrastructure and end-to-end integrated ecosystem that enables real-time revenue collection.
“We have already deployed an API platform, GAVA Connect, in which KRA collaborates with Developers and Techies to create simpler solutions that foster tax simplification and drive voluntary compliance,” added the Commissioner General.
KRA is currently piloting the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the management of cargo scanners along Kenya’s border points to drive efficient inspection and clearance of cargo entering the country.
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