The changes are contained in the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, 2018, which was introduced in Parliament by Leader of Majority Aden Duale last on Tuesday.
The proposed changes come at a time when succession at the KRA is looming following the expiry of the term of the current commissioner- general John Njiraini in March.
Currently the chief taxman is appointed by the Cabinet Secretary upon the recommendation of the KRA Board.
Parliament will have the power to vet, approve or reject the next Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Commissioner-General if MPs pass a bill.
Currently the chief taxman is appointed by the Cabinet Secretary upon the recommendation of the KRA Board.
“There shall be a Commissioner-General of the Authority who shall be recruited by the Board through a competitive process and appointed by the Minister with the prior approval of the National Assembly,” the Bill, which amends Section 11 of the KRA Act states.
The changes are contained in the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, 2018, which was introduced in Parliament by Leader of Majority Aden Duale last on Tuesday.
The proposed changes come at a time when succession at the KRA is looming following the expiry of the term of the current commissioner- general John Njiraini in March.
The KRA board is yet to officially launch the search for Mr Njiraini’s replacement two months after he attained the 60 years retirement age for civil servants.
President Uhuru Kenyatta, then Finance minister, appointed Mr Njiraini as KRA commissioner-general in March 2012.
Mr Njiraini’s second term as chief tax collector was to end on March 3 but the Employment and Labour Relations Court last month allowed him to remain in office as activist Okiya Omtatah pushed on with a case seeking his removal on account of age.
Mr Omtatah had moved to court seeking to compel the KRA board and Treasury secretary Henry Rotich to appoint an acting commissioner-general and commence recruitment of a substantive office holder.
Mr Njiraini has repeatedly stated that he has no intention of asking for an extension of his term.
“The Commissioner-General shall be appointed on such terms and condition of service as the Board may determine in the instrument of appointment, upon advice of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission,” the proposed law changes read.
The commissioner-general shall be an ex officio member of the board, but shall have no right to vote at any meeting of the board, nor shall he be counted for purposes of quorum.
“The Commissioner-General shall, subject to the directions of the board, be responsible for the day-today management of the affairs of the Authority,” the Bill sponsored by Mr Daule states.
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