The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is piloting the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the management of cargo scanners along Kenya’s border points.
KRA Commissioner General, Humphrey Wattanga says this is part of efforts to drive efficient inspection and clearance of cargo entering the country.
Wattanga is assuring the public that KRA will safeguard taxpayer data within its possession as it implements its digital transformation programme.
The Commissioner General told the Departmental Committee on Finance and Economic Planning that the tax collection agency is working closely with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) to implement a Data Minimisation Strategy that will reduce risks pertaining to personal taxpayer data.
Wattanga says: “We have already put in place immediate measures to swiftly disable loopholes on our portals that could be maliciously exploited to access personal taxpayer data.
“Our collaboration with the ODPC aims to ensure that we continuously improve the integrity of our systems, especially with regard to access to third party data.”
He says KRA is currently in the first phase of the implementation of a Digital Transformation Programme that is geared towards achieving a seamless tax administration through a revamped IT infrastructure and end-to-end integrated ecosystem that enables real-time revenue collection.
“We have already deployed an API platform, GAVA Connect in which KRA collaborates with Developers and Techies to create simpler solutions that foster tax simplification and drive voluntary compliance,” says Wattanga.