Lobbying for KRA senior post under way

By CYRUS OMBATI

NAIROBI, KENYA: Lobbying for the position of Commissioner in charge of Investigation and Enforcement at the Kenya Revenue Authority has begun.

This follows the retirement of Joseph Nduati in November 2013, which has triggered internal changes in the succession battle.

And a new leadership structure is to take effect by March this year, officials have revealed.

Several names have been mentioned as possible successors of Nduati but top KRA management has kept mum on who will take over.

Currently, Senior Deputy Commissioner George Muya is holding the position in an acting capacity and has three months to continue enjoying the privileges.

The transfer of James Githii Mburu from the Large Taxpayers Office to that of Investigation and Enforcement has triggered speculation he is the possible candidate favoured to succeed Nduati.

Officials aware of the changes revealed Muya’s deputy, Evans Nyakango, has also been moved to Domestic Policy while John Cheruiyot of Customs, who was also mentioned in the succession, has been moved to Mombasa and named the in charge of Southern Region.

KRA Commissioner General John Njiraini did not respond to our calls yesterday.

Another position in the Domestic Taxes Department, being held by Alice Owuor, will be up for grabs in May when her contract expires.

A new structure will come into effect from March, which will see the position of Senior Deputy Commissioner scrapped.

Hierarchically, there is the Commissioner General, Senior Deputy Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Senior Assistant Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner.

In the proposed new structure, there will be the Commissioner General, Chief Manager, Manager and Assistant Manager.

KRA is managed by five main departments namely Customs Services, Domestic Taxes, Road Transport, Support Services and Investigations and Enforcement.