The Kenyan government has formally engaged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to conduct a sweeping anti-corruption and governance audit across all ministries and public institutions.
The initiative, headed by President William Ruto, underscores his administration's commitment to rooting out corruption, a menace that has long plagued Kenya's public sector and drained its resources.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi emphasized the significance of this move during the opening of the 2024 Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Summit at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi.
He stressed that participation in the audit is non-negotiable, warning that those who do not cooperate will face intense scrutiny.
"This diagnostic effort will ensure accountability and transparency, fostering a government that works for all Kenyans," Mudavadi stated during his keynote address.
As part of the effort to strengthen governance, Mudavadi also urged the Kenya Revenue Authority to focus on expanding the tax base in a way that boosts revenue collection without overburdening taxpayers.
"We must widen the tax net and increase government revenue while safeguarding citizens from overtaxation," Mudavadi said.
In alignment with the theme of this year’s Africa Customs and Trade Conference, “Trade Facilitation and Domestic Resource Mobilisation in the Digital Age,” the Prime Cabinet Secretary reiterated the essential role of trade in driving economic growth.
"A collaborative approach among African nations is crucial to fostering a conducive environment for business growth while ensuring that governments can generate the necessary resources to invest in critical social services, infrastructure, and public goods," he said.
Mudavadi was joined at the summit by key government officials, including Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury & Economic Planning, John Mbadi, Athony Mwaura, Chair of the KRA Board of Directors, and Humphrey Wattanga, KRA Commissioner General. Several other Commissioner Generals from across Africa were also present.
