OUK, KRA EXPLORE PARTNERSHIP TO BOOST STAFF SKILLS AND PUBLIC TAX LITERACY
The Open University of Kenya (OUK) on Wednesday, 13th August 2024, hosted a delegation from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to discuss potential areas of collaboration in leveraging digital learning platforms for staff capacity building and continuous professional development. The meeting, chaired by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Carolyne Omulando, brought together Dr. Charles Borura, Chief Manager of the Strategy and Innovation Department and Ms. Teresa Atemo, Chief Manager of the Human Resource Department at KRA.
The discussions focused on creating opportunities for knowledge sharing, joint research and customised initiatives to enhance learning and development strategies within KRA. The proposed collaboration would see OUK provide tailored e-learning solutions, pedagogy and certification to meet KRA’s specific organisational needs.
Benefits to KRA Staff
Through this partnership, KRA employees stand to gain access to flexible, fully online training programmes designed to strengthen competencies, future-proof skills and embrace digital transformation. Courses would be adapted to their roles, enabling them to remain fit-for-purpose in a rapidly evolving tax and revenue administration environment. Continuous professional development would also improve efficiency, service delivery and job satisfaction among KRA staff.
Benefits to the Public and Taxpayers
The collaboration aims to extend beyond staff training by enhancing public tax literacy and voluntary compliance. OUK could offer easily accessible online courses on Kenya’s tax system and digital literacy on KRA platforms, helping citizens understand their tax obligations and navigate digital tax services. This, in turn, would promote transparency, boost compliance and strengthen public trust in the tax system.
Both institutions agreed that the partnership has the potential to deliver value on two fronts:
- For KRA staff – upskilling and reskilling to remain competitive and adaptable.
- For the public – simplified and convenient tax education, fostering a more informed and compliant taxpayer base.
The proposed collaboration marks a step forward in leveraging technology for national capacity building and supporting Kenya’s vision of a digitally empowered public service.