Improving the public purse: the Kenya Revenue Authority as an example of positive public administration in Africa

This chapter analyzes the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) as an example of positive public administration in Africa. Through an analysis of survey results and public documents, the chapter shows that despite complex political, economic, social and other challenges, KRA has performed beyond expectations in improving the public purse. KRA has used its entrepreneurial leadership to build collaborative networks and implement total quality management principles, which in turn have enabled it to evolve and better respond to changing conditions. Today, KRA is at the forefront of adopting and realizing best practices and innovations for improving tax compliance. Based on the KRA case, the chapter calls on reformists to design impact strategies that draw on successes and lessons learned rather than on failures and disappointments.