The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced the reintroduction of its Graduate Trainee Programme as part of its broader strategy to strengthen human resource capacity. Additionally, the Authority plans to expand the footprint of the Kenya School of Revenue Administration (KESRA) with more campuses across the country.
Speaking at KESRA’s 21st graduation ceremony held at Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi, KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga emphasized the program’s role in enhancing workforce skills in line with the organization’s 9th Corporate Plan.
“In light of our unwavering commitment to building a skilled workforce, I am excited to announce that this financial year, we will reintroduce the Graduate Trainee Programme, which has historically proven to be a potent initiative for imparting essential skills and knowledge to our staff,” said Mr. Wattanga.
Expanding KESRA’s Capacity
The Commissioner General also highlighted recent infrastructural upgrades at the KESRA Mombasa Campus, which have increased the institution’s capacity to offer more training programs and host additional learners.
“We continue to marshal resources to implement the robust campus Master Plan, a process that is expected to enhance KESRA’s overall capacity and expand its footprint across the country. We remain committed to investing in staff development and fostering an enabling work environment to fulfill our mandate,” he stated.
Adapting to Global Dynamics
Mr. Wattanga stressed the importance of continuous learning in addressing the challenges of modern tax administration.
“Evolving global dynamics demand continuous investment in knowledge and skills, which are critical for building a modern, resilient tax administration. Mastering new competencies in tax administration, compliance, and policy is essential for adaptability, innovation, and effectiveness in our operations,” he added.
Celebrating Graduates
This year’s graduation ceremony, held under the theme “Building Capacity to Strengthen Tax Systems and Mobilize Revenue within the Region”, celebrated the accomplishments of 682 graduates who completed courses in tax, customs, and logistics.
In the 2023/2024 financial year, over 7,000 KRA staff underwent training programs facilitated by KESRA. The school, which is the largest of the four accredited World Customs Organization (WCO) Regional Training Centres (RTC) in East and Southern Africa, provides capacity-building programs in Tax Administration, Customs Administration, and Fiscal Policy.