Pick KRA chief competently, in open process

John Njiraini’s tenure at the helm of the Kenya Revenue Authority comes to an end in less than 100 days ending a leadership conundrum that has played for over a year. It is however curious that the KRA board has not kicked off the process of recruiting his replacement.

Because of the importance of KRA to the country’s economy, one would assume that the Francis Muthaura-led board would prioritise hiring of the person that would replace Njiraini in June.

Selecting his successor months before his departure would give the new person time to fit into the role. Bringing him or her on board and have them hit the ground running goes against best practice.

Worst of all, having someone in an acting capacity as it looks for the new Commissioner General will send the wrong signal. While the board on Monday issued a statement assuring taxpayers that it has everything under control regarding the transition and that there is no management vacuum, it does not inspire much confidence.

Other than the delays in starting an open hiring process for the new taxman, other factors that come to mind for many Kenyans include power struggles that have characterised Njiraini’s latter days at KRA.

He has fought tooth and nail to stay on even after his two, three-year terms ran out last year after which the board gave him an extension, which ends in June.

During the seven years Njiraini served as Commissioner General, KRA consistently grew tax collections but never met set revenue targets. This ought to bother the KRA board as it considers who will take over.