NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi has officially taken the reins as Chairperson of the Kenya Revenue Authority board (KRA), vowing to prioritize professionalism and improved service delivery.
Muriithi, an economist, was sworn in on Monday at the Supreme Court premises after being appointed by President William Ruto.
He succeeds Anthony Mwaura, who was moved by the President in a recent reshuffle.
Muriithi assumes leadership at a pivotal time for KRA, which has recorded significant revenue growth while grappling with internal challenges, including corruption.
Under outgoing leadership, KRA hit a new milestone, collecting Ksh 1.005 trillion by November 30, 2024.
This represents a 4.3% increase from the Ksh 963.7 billion collected in the same period last year.
The upward trajectory signals strong fiscal performance, as KRA reached the trillion-shilling mark weeks ahead of last year’s timeline.
Muriithi inherits the task of sustaining this momentum while addressing long-standing issues, such as improving taxpayer engagement and combating corruption.
KRA’s zero-tolerance stance on internal misconduct has intensified, with disciplinary actions rising sharply.
In the first quarter of the 2024/25 financial year, 84 cases of staff misconduct were addressed, up from 37 in the same period last year.
Notably, summary dismissals jumped from seven to 25 cases, highlighting a tougher approach to rooting out corruption.
These efforts come as KRA strives to ensure a seamless and fair revenue collection process for all Kenyans.
During his swearing-in, Muriithi outlined a vision for a “professional, fair, yet firm” organization.
He emphasized the need for sound governance, innovative solutions, and strategic partnerships to support Kenya’s economic growth.
“My vision is to steer KRA to become a more professional, fair, yet firm organization guided by the core values of being trustworthy, ethical, competent, helpful, innovative, and simple,” he said.
Muriithi also pledged to enhance collaboration with stakeholders in both the public and private sectors to develop targeted solutions for taxpayers.
In his address, Muriithi highlighted the importance of sound governance and accountability in achieving KRA’s goals.
“Together with members of the Board of Directors, our endeavor will be to ensure KRA achieves its full potential by providing sound governance, oversight, and accountability,” he said.
