Technology

Safaricom named country's best taxpayer

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Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore after being awarded with the overall large tax award with National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich and Internal Security cabinet secretary Joseph Ole Lenku during the 2014 Taxpayers Week Awards on October 21, 2014. PHOTO | DIANA NGILA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Safaricom has for the seventh consecutive year emerged the country’s best overall taxpayer, according to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). The telecommunications firm was on Tuesday feted at KRA’s annual taxpayers' ceremony that awards leading taxpayers in various categories.

The Kenya Revenue Authority said Safaricom was recognised for its active role in charitable activities and life-changing innovations besides following the required tax regulations.

“The taxpayer has revolutionised the way of living and dong business through various innovations,” said Alice Owuor, the Commissioner for Domestic Taxes — small and medium taxpayers.

The Teachers Service Commission emerged second best overall, edging out East African Breweries Limited (EABL), which was second best last year in the ranking that is in its 11th year now.

The Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government was declared the second runners-up overall due to the presence of its staff — who include the uniformed forces — in virtually all corners of the country.

Other top 10 taxpayers include the Ministry of Health, Barclays Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Equity Bank, Kenya Commercial Bank and East African Breweries in that order.

KRA Commissioner-General John Njiraini said the best-performing taxpayers were recognised not for only contributing the highest revenue, but also following the required tax regulations.

Other categories included the regional award, which was taken by the counties of Kisii, Embu, Nyeri and Nakuru.