A Nairobi Court has paused the KRA’s new organizational structure pending a petition by a human rights group. The court’s ruling emphasizes the need for adherence to constitutional principles, particularly concerning public participation and lawful fund utilization. The changes proposed would increase employee tiers and potentially lead to conflicts of interest in procurement processes.
A Nairobi Court has temporarily halted the implementation of a new organizational structure at the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), following a petition by the Trusted Society of Human Rights Alliance. Justice Bahati Mwamuye of the Milimani High Court’s Constitutional and Human Rights division issued the ruling, creating a conservatory order to stay the changes pending a hearing scheduled for later dates.
The petitioner argues that KRA’s restructured organizational framework fails to comply with key constitutional principles concerning public participation and the lawful utilization of public funds. The changes are expected to increase KRA’s organizational grading from ten tiers to fourteen, which would consequently inflate the wage bill.
Furthermore, the petition asserts that the incorporation of the Department of Supply Chain Management, Procurement, and Internal Audit into the Office of the Commissioner General presents a conflict of interest. Such arrangements conflict with established principles in the Public Procurement and Disposal Act and the Public Finance Management Act.
The court has also granted the National Treasury, the Public Service Commission, and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission interested party status in the case. The initial hearing for the petitioner’s application will take place on March 31, 2025, with a ruling expected on April 28, 2025, through a virtual platform.
The Nairobi Court’s decision to suspend KRA’s new organizational structure underscores the importance of compliance with constitutional principles and proper fiscal management within public institutions. Given the potential implications for public resources and governance practices, the court’s ruling aims to ensure accountability and transparency in the implementation of organizational changes at KRA.
Original Source: allafrica.com
