Containers at the Port of Mombasa. Photo/ barakafm.org
Clearing and forwarding agents at the port of Mombasa on Wednesday held protests over delays by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to issue them with licenses.
Speaking outside KRA Mombasa offices, the 1300 agents claimed that they had not yet received their 2017 licenses, and accused KRA of favoring foreigners and other multinational companies.
Led by their Spokesman Mr Moges Ndale the agents claimed that KRA is causing the delays on purpose as they had presented all the required details.“We have not been satisfied. KRA has all the information about us in their system and we wonder why it’s demanding more,” said Ndale.In a quick response, KRA Southern Coordinator Mr Nicholas Kinoti defended the taxman saying that despite the delays, the agents had been allowed to operate, after being issued with extensions.
He, however, promised the agents that their issues would be addressed in two days.“We have picked up your issues and we will forward them to the headquarters,” said Kinoti while receiving the petition at KRA offices in Mombasa Town.
“We will receive communication from the Commissioner General in the next two days,” he added.
On their part, the agents said they are willing to be vetted, adding that KRA officials should also to be investigated.