Kenya’s recent tax debates have been full of half-truths and alarmist headlines.

One claim circulating widely is that the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) can simply tax any money in your bank account. While that’s an exaggeration, a closer look at the Kirin Pipes Ltd. case reveals a more nuanced—and sobering—truth for every taxpayer.

Here’s the reality: KRA isn’t going to randomly tax birthday gifts or small deposits. Their powers are specific and tied to law. Under the Tax Procedures Act of 2015, KRA can investigate a taxpayer’s finances if they have “reasonable cause” to suspect undeclared income. This usually happens when your spending or bank deposits don’t align with your reported income.

Imagine reporting an annual salary of KES 500,000, but suddenly KES 5 million lands in your account. KRA won’t immediately tax the money; instead, they will raise a formal tax assessment, classifying the unexplained deposit as potentially taxable income.

The stakes are real, as shown in the Kirin Pipes Ltd. case. KRA audited the company and found KES 54 million in deposits that weren’t declared as income. The company claimed the money came from director loans and capital injections.

Sounds reasonable, right? Not quite. Kirin Pipes failed to provide any evidence—no loan agreements, no board resolutions, no documentation. Courts upheld KRA’s assessment, ruling the deposits taxable. The lesson is clear: in tax disputes, the burden of proof lies with the taxpayer.

For everyday Kenyans, the takeaway is straightforward: keep meticulous financial records. Even casual loans or gifts need documentation.

KRA now uses sophisticated analytics to assess not just your declared income but also your spending patterns and lifestyle. This comprehensive profile can trigger scrutiny if unexplained wealth appears.

The bottom line: headlines may sound alarming, but the principle is simple—if you can’t explain your money, you may have to pay tax on it. In today’s tax environment, proper documentation isn’t optional—it’s your strongest defense.