enya Revenue Authority (KRA) is in a state of anxiety following a series of staff changes at senior management level that started with the exit of Commissioner-General James Githii Mburu. The shake-up, which is being driven by new KRA chairman Anthony Nganga Mwaura, an ally of President William Ruto, has now cascaded to chief managers. The new personnel being put in place are expected to drive the Kenya Kwanza government’s agenda and help KRA reach its target of collecting Sh3 trillion by the end of the next financial year.
The shake-up has seen several Deputy Commissioners locked out of KRA’s operating system, while another six senior managers have had their system access de-activated, without any formal communication as to their fates. At least 40 senior managers are said to have been affected. Mr Mwaura, without detailing the extent of the shake-up, has said that the board is committed to effecting far-reaching changes at the state agency.
In the latest shake-up, only three Commissioners were retained, while others were kicked out. Some of the commissioners are said to have been on the radar of the Kenya Kwanza administration from the day Dr Ruto was declared winner of the August 9 presidential election. The affected individuals are said to have been sent on compulsory leave but have not received any formal letters from KRA.
KRA has faced criticism from business leaders who complain of a regime that is largely unpredictable and overburdens a few taxpayers in the formal sector. The new administration has said it will be looking at a tax policy where the super-rich contribute the highest revenue to the government.
