Expat taxman gets the cash flowing

From Global development | The Guardian Fri Nov 30 2012, 07:00:04

The Irishman overhauling a corrupt tax system is gradually smashing down the obstacles to Burundi's self-sufficiency

When Kieran Holmes was appointed to overhaul Burundi's corrupt tax system, he set exams for more than 2,000 job applicants and his team marked the papers in his basement: he was determined the process would be squeaky clean.

The 59-year-old Irishman then "smashed every wall in sight" at the tax headquarters in Burundi's capital Bujumbura. He wanted to remove the walls dividing offices so employees could see and be seen, part of his effort to encourage a culture of openness.

He installed new software, simplified filing procedures, cracked down on tax avoiders, and set about changing mindsets in a country still coming to terms with the rule of law after the civil war finally petered out in 2008.

[view whole blog post ]
 See More    |     Report Abuse


You might also be interested in the following news stories:

Burundi:  Kagame Condemns 'Primitive Politics' Driving DR Congo, Burundi, FDLR Collabo (news)
The New Times
25 Mars 2024

President Paul Kagame has condemned "primitive politics" driving the collaboration between Congolese and Burundian leaders and their alignment with the FDLR, a UN-sanctioned militia group linked to ... [read more]

Madagascar/Burundi:  STADE BAREA - Le Burundi tenu en échec par le Botswana (news)
L'Express de Madagascar
26 Mars 2024

Pas de vainqueur. Le Burundi a été tenu en échec par le Botswana hier lors du match d'ouverture de la deuxième journée du tournoi amical de la fenêtre Fifa au ... [read more]

Afrique:  Football / Amicaux - Le Burundi rêve d'une revanche (news)
L'Express de Madagascar
21 Mars 2024

Madagascar et le Burundi se retrouvent en match amical après la victoire malgache à la phase de groupe de la Coupe d'Afrique des nations en Égypte en 2019. Revanche. Le match ... [read more]



blogAfrica is allAfrica.com's platform to help you keep an ear on the African blogosphere. We draw diverse voices from around the world who post regularly and insightfully about African issues. Bloggers, submit your blog's rss-feed!