Illicit trade bleeding Kenya dry, it’s time for bold national reset

Provincial administration officers impound counterfeit alcohol and cigarettes in Kakamega Town. 

Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group

Recent data released by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) on revenue performance for the financial year 2024-25 provides important insight into the complex challenges facing efforts to raise and collect taxes to fund the fiscus.

While the aggregate numbers indicate a growth of 6.8 percent with total collections exceeding Sh2.5 trillion, a deeper examination reveals certain concerning undercurrents.

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Note: The results are not exact but very close to the actual.