The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Kenya Judiciary Academy (KJA) teamed up to host the highly anticipated Judicial Dialogue on Emerging Issues in Adjudication of Tax Disputes
The workshop which took place in Nakuru brought together an assemblage of experts drawn from different sectors comprising the JudicialService, the Legal fraternity, Tax experts, the Banking Sector, OXFAM,among other stakeholders.
The weeklong engagement marked a significant milestone in the enduring partnership between the KRA and the Judiciary.
In his remarks, KRA Commissioner General Mr. Humphrey Wattanga highlighted KRA’s commitment to tax education and awareness and the judiciary’s crucial role in interpreting, enforcing tax laws,acknowledging the profound implications of their decisions on the socio-economic fabric.
“Our central mission is to disseminate knowledge and empower our esteemed judges with the right information. Informed decisions are the cornerstone of justice in providing the requisite information and insights,” he said.
He further emphasized the significance of the engagement, accentuating the need for harmonious collaboration between all agencies while upholding integrity for effective service delivery.
Representing the Director General of the KJA was Hon Justice Alfred Mabeya,the Presiding Judge Milimani High Court Commercial & Tax Division.
He stated that the evolving nature of taxation and the rise of new economic realities demanded custodians of justice to be fully equipped to adjudicate taxation matters with precision, fairness, and in accordance with the rule of law.
Chairperson of the Law Society of Kenya-Nairobi Branch Mr Eric Kivuva emphasized that as a key stakeholder, LSK would continue to guide the discourse to ensure adjudication of tax disputes factors in the current realities around public interest and the legitimate expectations from taxpayers for taxes to be fair and balanced.
Other leaders present were KRA Commissioners CS Rispah Simuyu FCCA, EBSof the Domestic Taxes Department, Dr Mugambi Mwirigi of the Kenya Schoolof Revenue Administration; Senior Officials from KRA, the Institute of CertifiedPublic Accountants of Kenya and the Kenya Bankers Association.
