KRA Issues Clarification on Alleged Auction of Vehicles

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has dismissed as fake a list of vehicles circulating online, which claimed to be part of an official auction.

In a statement on Friday, August 22, the tax agency cautioned members of the public against falling victim to the fraudulent notice that has been widely shared on social media.

"Kindly note that the vehicle auction notices circulating are fake. All official KRA communication is shared only through verified official channels. For accurate and up-to-date information, always visit: kra.go.ke," the notice read.

The fake notice, which carried the official KRA logo, listed more than 20 high-end vehicles among them a Toyota Tundra SR5, a Range Rover Evoque SE, a BMW X5 and a Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500.

Notably, this comes weeks after the Ministry of Labour flagged a fraudulent scheme circulating on social media, misleading the public with fake promises of financial aid.

In a statement on Monday, July 28, Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs Principal Secretary Joseph Motari clarified that there is no such entity operating under the government.

"The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection wishes to alert the public about a fraudulent scheme currently circulating on social media, particularly WhatsApp, falsely operating under the name Inua Jamii Foundation Empowerment. No such organization exists under the Government of Kenya," he said.

Motari said the scheme is not connected to any legitimate government programme and urged the public to remain cautious.

He added that all official communication about Inua Jamii comes only through verified government channels.

"This scam, which promises fake financial support, is not sanctioned by the Government. 

"All official communication regarding Inua Jamii cash transfer programmes is disseminated exclusively through verified channels of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and the State Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs," he further said.

Motari confirmed that the government was pursuing those behind the scam, with investigations already underway.

"The public is urged to ignore any messages or links shared via WhatsApp or other platforms purporting to offer Inua Jamii foundation empowerment funds.

"Investigations are currently underway in collaboration with law enforcement and cybersecurity agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible," he concluded.