14th October 2024.
The WCO ESA ROCB Director, Mr. Larry Liza, hosted a delegation from Kenya Revenue Authority from the Ethics and Integrity Division, represented by Ms. Sophia Abuga, Ag. Chief Manager, Ethics, Policy & Compliance and Ms. Carol Gitegi, Assistant Manager, Ethics & Education Awareness. The meeting’s purpose was a courtesy visit aimed to discuss possible areas of collaboration on the East and Southern Africa (ESA) integrity program. Also present in the meeting were Ms. Faith Mosongo, Ms. Clemence Wawuda and Ms. Linda Siele from the ROCB.
The meeting discussed commitment of the East and Southern Africa (ESA) region to upholding high standards of integrity particularly under the strategic objective of professionalism and partnerships. It was reported that the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), a member of the ESA Region had embraced integrity through robust oversight, system reviews and partnerships with key stakeholders such as Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). These strategies have contributed to a decrease in the Corruption Perception in KRA which stood at 30.99% as at June 2024.
It was further discussed that the perception of integrity issues within KRA had evolved in the recent years with the approach on integrity currently centered on prevention. It was then agreed that despite the current funding challenges, the ESA region is committed to involving Kenya’s Integrity team in regional activities focused on promoting integrity and sharing regional best practices. This collaboration will ensure that Kenya actively participates in ESA regional efforts and strengthen the integrity program.
