Kenya Revenue Authority(KRA) is celebrating 25 years since formation. – By Henry Kimoli
KRA is the principal government tax collector and accounts for more than 90 percent of the revenue collection in Kenya.
KRA became a body corporate in 1995. Initially, it was a department under the Ministry of Finance.
Below are the individuals who shaped up the taxman.
1. Hilary Ngweno
He was the first board chairman of KRA. The journalist cum nuclear scientist was instrumental in setting up the original systems at the authority.
Yusuf Nzibo
Nzibo was the first Commissioner-General of KRA. He was a spouse of then powerful Moi era PS Sally Kosgei.
He did not last long and later assumed the role of an envoy.
He is the current National Chairman of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM).
John Msafari
He was a visible Commissioner-General who served KRA with distinction despite many challenges.
He was unceremoniously sacked in 2000 after alleged revenue leaks were exposed.
John P Munge
The stockbroker was appointed in late 2000.
Munge was part of the dream team set up by Richard Leakey for purposes of improving service delivery as the Moi days drew to a close.
He launched the KRA’s first strategic charter and improved revenue collection.
But he was forced to resign under a cloud of abuse of office allegations.
The chief allegation was that Munge invested Sh. 50million in Euro Bank.
Munge was alleged to have been a shareholder of the bank.
It is said forces close to Kibaki forced Munge out despite pleading his innocence.
Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu led the onslaught against Munge.
Also to fall on the Euro Bank wayside was then Central Bank Governor Nahashon Ngige Nyagah.
Munge was prosecuted over the case but was acquitted of all the allegations by a court of law.
Has lawyer was Mutula Kilonzo Junior, the current Makueni Senator. Munge passed on while receiving treatment at the Nairobi Hospital for an undisclosed illness.
Michael Waweru
Waweru is the longest ever KRA Commissioner-General. He was a close ally of President Mwai Kibaki. He served as his long-time personal accountant during his stint as a partner of Bell House Mwangi.
Waweru is regarded as the most successful commissioner general at KRA.
He stakes the claim to the father of modern-day tax collection and administration.
It was during his tenure that KRA tax collection grew a hundredfold to become the most respected tax authority in Africa.
Waweru retired from the Times Tower and served as a Chairman of Kenya Railways but was unceremoniously sacked in December 2019.
He is still a respected business captain.
John Njiraini
He replaced Waweru, having been headhunted from the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK).
Njiraini is a career accountant and a former lecturer at the University of Nairobi.
He is not a very popular figure at Times Tower over issues of omission and commission that took place during his tenure.
George Mburu
Current Commissioner General of KRA, was poached from the Intelligence and Strategic Operations wing which he headed.
His tenure has seen several millionaires paraded in public humiliation over tax evasion.
He is currently implementing the KRA agenda.
