Kenya Revenue Authority Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga was put on the spot to explain why the agency is backing a controversial clause in the Finance Bill 2025.
The provision would grant the KRA automatic access to trade secrets and personal data of Kenyan citizens.
In addition, the authority has been accused of breaching data privacy through its iTax business registration platform.
With just a taxpayer’s PIN, the portal reportedly reveals sensitive personal information including contacts, email address, residential location, and place of employment.
With at least ten entities, including the Law Society of Kenya, opposing a controversial provision in the Finance Bill 2025 that would grant KRA automatic access to trade secrets and personal data of Kenyans, Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga was pressed to explain why the agency is supporting the move.
“Chair, don’t you think that is a huge data privacy breach? Someone is clearly not doing their job. You have to own up that this is a breach and someone is not doing their job,” Kuria Kimani, Chairman of the National Assembly’s Finance Committee.
“KRA must ensure that data being provided by Kenyans is safeguarded,” he added.
The taxman is also under fire for allegedly breaching taxpayers’ personal data through the iTax business registration platform.
With just a taxpayer’s PIN, the portal can easily retrieve sensitive details including contact information, email address, residential location, and place of employment.
“Why is KRA infringing on data privacy? For instance, application for manufacturers’ authorization on iTax requires the user to provide manufacturers’ details including phone numbers and residential address,” Kimani pointed out.
KRA argues that the provision will boost tax compliance and ensure the taxman meets his targets.
“We admit that’s a serious matter and we will address it,” Humphrey Wattanga – KRA Commissioner General stated.
In addition, the Kenya Revenue Authority has dismissed claims of an exodus of foreign corporates to neighboring countries due to high tax obligations.
The tax agency, which has set a revenue target of Ksh2.9 trillion for the 2025/2026 financial year, maintains that various incentives have been introduced to cushion businesses operating in the country.
