KRA Renews Bid to Take up Space at the Troubled Lake Basin Mall in Kisumu

Kenya’s taxman, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), has renewed bit to take up office space in the troubled Lake Basin Mall in Kisumu.

The new development was confirmed on Tuesday by the Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA) Managing Director Raymond Omollo. “I can ascertain that we have resumed talks with KRA after they reaffirmed their commitment to move into the mall and we’ll be signing a contract soon.”

In August, the taxman had withdrew its interest in occupying the high potential shopping complex under unclear circumstances.

The mall has been faced by a huge challenge since its completion two years ago after it failed to attract tenants.

With KRA renewing its bid to acquire office space, the mall is now hopeful that more clients will also come in.

The mall is currently undergoing a prolonged graft probe by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) due to alleged escalated building cost by Sh2.5 billion. Former LBDA Managing Director Peter Abok, former board members Michael Obora, Dennis Mulaa and John Mango , internal auditor Albert Omondi, and production technologist Nelson Onyango are some of the former officials who have been arraigned in court over the scandal.