KRA tells Kenyans to verify mobile numbers registered on iTax

In a notice published on the local dailies, KRA appealed to all users to embark on the Taxpayer Register Data Clean Up Exercise program to validate all details on the system. 

To effectively carry out the program, the Authority rolled out a One Time Password (OTP) to enable a user to update their details on the system. 

Upon logging in, the system will display the user's mobile number for verification. If the contact is incorrect, the user is required to key in the right number through which an OTP will be sent to enable system access. 

If the contact is correct, the user should click on 'send verification code' whereby the code will be sent to their preferred mobile number. 

"We urge all registered taxpayers to update their registration details as appropriate on iTax, including the phone number, physical address, email address, physical location of businesses, residency status, directorships or partnerships held," the notice read in part. 

With the program in place, critics, however, raised concerns over privacy breaches and increase of government surveillance. It is said that KRA will leverage on the information to monitor companies' activities. 

The clean up exercise is part of the new initiatives that KRA seeks to expand the country's revenue bracket. 

Recently, Communications Authority (CA) instructed all phone manufacturers and importers to provide a device's IMEI number to enhance the quality of imports into the country.