Mass Exodus of Employees Hits KRA

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has reportedly suffered mass exodus of employees in recent weeks as President Uhuru continues to pile pressure on the agency to meet revenue targets.

Daily Nation reports that as a result, several top and middle-level officers have tendered their resignations from the tax agency in the past few weeks.

The publication further says that the mass resignations were triggered by silent investigations being conducted by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and pressure from the firm’s bosses to reach the tax collection limits, which are unrealistic.

Last week, detectives from the DCI arrested several KRA officials suspected to have authorized entry of contraband goods into the country. The decision by DCI to pursue KRA officials involved in any malpractices sent the employees into panic mode forcing them to step down.

Those who have resigned include deputy commissioners and chief managers who had not renewed their contracts. Others include middle-level staff including managers, assistant managers and supervisors.

“The targets vary from department to department, or region to region. They are always unrealistic and unachievable since they’re not based on any scientific formula,” a source within KRA told Daily Nation.

The battle to replace KRA Commissioner-General John Njiraini has also negatively impacted on the smooth running of the body. KRA has failed to meet revenue targets in the last few years.