Nairobi Court Suspends Implementation of Kenya Revenue Authority’s New Structure

A Nairobi Court has suspended the Kenya Revenue Authority’s new organizational structure due to a petition alleging constitutional violations. Justice Bahati Mwamuye’s ruling prohibits implementation of the changes pending a hearing. The petition argues that the structure would burden public finances and create conflicts of interest.

A Nairobi Court has halted the implementation of a new organizational structure at the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) following a petition from the Trusted Society of Human Rights Alliance. Justice Bahati Mwamuye issued the ruling in the Milimani High Court’s Constitution and Human Rights division, suspending the changes pending further hearings. The court’s conservatory order prohibits the KRA from proceeding with the planned revisions communicated in a recent communiqué from the Commissioner General.

The petitioner alleges that the new structure violates several constitutional principles concerning public participation and the lawful use of public funds. They argue that the changes would increase the KRA’s grading system from ten to fourteen tiers, thereby stretching the wage bill further. The human rights organization highlighted that a significant conflict of interest arises from changes that place the Department of Supply Chain Management under the Commissioner General instead of the Finance Department, contradicting the Public Procurement and Disposal Act.

The court has also included several interested parties such as the National Treasury, the Public Service Commission, and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission in the case. The hearing for the petitioner’s application is scheduled for March 31, 2025, at 10:30 AM in physical court, while the ruling will take place virtually on April 28, 2025, at the same time.

In summary, the Nairobi Court’s ruling halts KRA’s organizational changes due to concerns over constitutional compliance and potential conflicts of interest. The ensuing legal proceedings will address the implications of the proposed structure and the appropriateness of the revisions made by KRA. Interested parties will play a crucial role as the case progresses, highlighting the importance of public service principles in organizational governance.

Original Source: allafrica.com