The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) will be switching to hi-tech that will see the agency get useful data on a real-time basis.
With the hi-tech, the taxman will be receiving data on motor vehicle purchases, property deals and real estate investors seeking electricity meters as they take place.
KRA is planning to work with other concerned agencies including Kenya Power, National Construction Authority (NCA), the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) among others, by linking their systems to each other for them to share data as it streams in.
That is, if an investor buys an electricity meter from KPLC, KRA will be able to tell the investor has set up a house and is in the process of supplying power to it. This has not been happening in the past.
The taxman has been relying on third parties to get such data from taxpayers, which leads to tax cheats.
KRA commissioner in charge of domestic taxes Elizabeth Meyo said they are integrating their systems with other agencies.
"KRA is undertaking system integrations with relevant institutions to facilitate faster access to data," said Meyo as quoted by Business Daily.
Taxman says the country has recorded increased importation of high-class vehicles, huge investments in the real estate, but the same is not reflecting in paying tax, an indication individuals are evading tax.
KRA working with National Environment Management Authority (Nema) will help the tax man to know individuals who are seeking permission to set up mega projects while Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCCA) will reveal those with helicopters and light aeroplanes.
KPLC will enable the tax man through meter number and location, know where landlords are located and based on their electricity bills, they will estimate the value the landlords make.