The National Assembly Majority leader, Mr. Amos Kimunya on Thursday, June 9 withdrew the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) (Amendment) Bill after an intense debate on the future of the current Commissioners.
The bill was seeking to rename Kenya Revenue Authority to Kenya Revenue Service. Moreover, the change in name was meant to rebrand KRA in transforming its public image hence, improving tax compliance through enhanced public relations.
At the same time, Garissa Township MP Aden Duale moved an amendment to cushion the current Commissioners and Board members from losing their jobs. The amendment fought to have these commissioners in office for the unexpired period of the term and then the new members shall be recruited.
According to Duale, the name change will make the authority a totally different body and the current Commissioners and Board will have to leave office.
“We must insulate the current Commissioner General and Board in a transition way that change of name does not affect their current status so they will be in the office until the expiry of time, if this House approves the change of name from Kenya Revenue Authority to Kenya Revenue Service then that is a different body.” Duale said
However, Kimunya differed with Duale’s amendments, stating that the Commission and Board in question are already protected in the Bill.
Nonetheless, unable to get a middle ground, the National Assembly Majority leader informed the Speaker of his decision to withdraw the Bill in line with Standing Order 140 thence, putting an end to the heated debate.
