KRA managers moved in shake-up to boost efficiency, says Njiraini

The taxman has said the recent shake-up of two senior managers in key departments will address weaknesses within the import supply chain.

Kenya Revenue Authority commissioner-general John Njiraini said Thursday the restructuring was pegged on performance abilities and not integrity issues.

The taxman on Tuesday announced the removal of two commissioners from the Investigations and Enforcement department (Jonah Cheruiyoit) and Human Resources division (Rachel Monyoncho). They are set to be reassigned new roles within the agency.

“Let me emphasise that the changes undertaken do not in any way relate to integrity questions touching on the character of the two individuals,” said Mr Njiraini said in a statement.

“The changes made were part of a broader government strategy meant to address weaknesses in the management of the Mombasa port but also generally within the import supply chain.”

KRA said the board agreed to inject new blood into the department of investigations in efforts to tighten the screws on tax crime “detection and deterrence”.

“In this regard, the KRA board on February 8 approved the commencement of a search for a head of department with relevant background in crime investigations and intelligence management.”

This saw the then head of the department, Mr Cheruiyoit, reassigned other undisclosed duties and replaced in acting capacity by KRA deputy commissioner in customs and border control Daniel Yego.