Mbadi says KRA is only interested in financial data and not personal info
The Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, John Mbadi, has clarified that the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is focused solely on accessing financial information for tax assessment purposes, not personal or private data.
Speaking during a public engagement on Monday night, June 9, 2025, amid growing public concern over KRA’s powers to access personal financial records, Mbadi explained that every year, Kenyans are required to file self-assessment returns.
However, Mbadi says, for KRA to verify the accuracy of those returns, it must rely on financial information, especially from formal institutions like banks.
The CS further assured the public that the Data Protection Act is still in place and that personal data remains protected under law.
“Every year, we do self-assessment returns. How does KRA determine that what you have assessed is correct? Initially, the law was clear: KRA could get your financial information and access whether you are paying correctly, but the National Assembly sneaked in a proposal that mentioned personal data and trade secrets,” Mbadi stated.
“The Data Protection Act is still in place; no one will come for your personal information. KRA’s interest is only in financial information, not your personal secrets. Where they are going to source this information, there is no secret these are banks and financial institutions.”
He dismissed fears that KRA would have unfettered access to citizens’ private lives, stating that the authority’s mandate is limited to ensuring tax compliance, not invading personal privacy.
His remarks come as debate continues around proposed tax measures in the Finance Bill and concerns over data privacy and government overreach
KRA snooping on people’s data
His remarks come as debate continues around proposed tax measures in the Finance Bill and concerns over data privacy and government overreach.
On Saturday, June 7, 2025, the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning questioned KRA Deputy Commissioner Maurice Oray on KRA’s intention under Clause 52, seeking to amend the Tax Procedures Act to grant data access to the Kenya Revenue Authority in a bid to enhance tax enforcement.
Turkana South MP John Ariko told KRA officials that most people had raised fears that the section was in breach of the constitution.
“While it is important to enhance tax compliance, this provision would be in breach of Article 31 of the Kenyan Constitution, which guarantees the right to privacy for all individuals and could be open to abuse,” the MP stated.
