Kibaki warns against early campaigns

By NJIRAINI MUCHIRA

President Kibaki has urged leaders to stop premature campaigns.

The President said the tendency by politicians to put the country in a permanent campaign mode is hurting the economy.

"Leaders should refrain from early campaigns that are distracting economic agenda. You cannot call the elections soon, the appropriate time is coming," said Kibaki.

He added leaders should be engaging in a public discourse on development issues instead of politicking.

Significant reforms

The country is set to hold General Election in March, next year, following a constitutional court ruling that prompted the Independent Elections and Boundaries Commission to set a March 4 date.

Speaking friday during the farewell luncheon for outgoing Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Commissioner General Michael Waweru and four other commissioners, President Kibaki called on KRA to crackdown on tax evaders. He urged Kenyans to be diligent taxpayers.

He called on KRA to seal loopholes that enable tax evaders to collude with its officers to evade paying taxes. "People should not evade payment of tax if they want to see a prosperous Kenya," said Kibaki. He added the country requires enormous resources to finance several projects under the ambitious Vision 2030 blueprint and KRA must play a critical role in mobilising revenue.

The President paid glowing tribute to Waweru’s nine years at KRA during which the authority underwent significant reforms, while tax collection more than tripled.

When he took over in 2003, KRA was collecting Sh180 billion, but by last year tax collection had increased to Sh630 billion.

Today revenue collection to gross domestic product ration stands at 23 per cent, compared to five per cent a decade ago.