The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has come under pressure over its alleged aggressive tax collection approach, even as the government continues to owe billions in unpaid bills to suppliers and contractors.
In a statement on Friday, October 31, lawyer Donald Kipkorir expressed concern that KRA was targeting struggling companies without considering the government’s failure to meet its financial obligations.
He called on the government to reassess its current tax policy, warning that the ongoing situation is crippling businesses and pushing citizens to the brink.
"The government has to have a rethink on its aggressive tax policy. KRA is a government department. The government owes nearly Ksh800 billion in pending bills to suppliers and service providers to it," the statement read.
Kipkorir noted that many companies and individuals had taken out loans to fulfill those contracts, but were now facing financial ruin due to delayed payments.
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"Many of these suppliers borrowed loans to service the government contracts. Banks have foreclosed on their loans and sold their properties. And KRA are aggressively pursuing taxes when they ought to know the government has not paid the suppliers.
"Some people have committed suicide. Others have gone mad," he added.
Kipkorir's remarks come a day after KRA confirmed the death of a middle-aged man who jumped from the second floor of their Lake Basin office located at Lake Basin Mall in Kisumu on Thursday, October 30, 2025.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 30, the tax authority said the man sustained serious injuries from the fall and later succumbed to them.
KRA expressed deep regret over the tragic incident and extended heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
"Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) wishes to confirm that an unfortunate incident occurred today, Thursday, 30th October 2025, at the KRA offices located at the Lake Basin Mall in Kisumu. A middle-aged man jumped from the second floor of the building, sustained serious injuries, and succumbed," the statement read in part.
KRA stated that the matter has been reported to relevant authorities, with investigations currently underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The authority indicated that it is fully cooperating with law enforcement officers to facilitate the ongoing investigations.
KRA also took the opportunity to remind taxpayers and members of the public about available channels for reporting incidents, concerns, or suspicious activities.
In 2022, a similar tragedy occurred when a KRA employee died after falling from the Times Tower building in Nairobi.
The authority expressed regret over that incident, confirming that the staff member died while receiving treatment at the hospital.
"It is with deep regret that we inform you of the demise of one of our staff during an incident that happened at our Times Tower Offices this afternoon. The incident is under investigation by law enforcement agencies," the statement read at the time.
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