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Kalenjins and Kikuyus took 56 per cent of the recent recruitment by Kenya Revenue Authority

KRA submitted details showing how Kalenjin community comprised of 403 of the 1,406 Revenue Service Assistants [RSA]

They ate followed by Kikuyu (385) Luhya (134) Luo (76) Kenyan-Somali (71) Kamba (64) and Meru (55)

The Senate Standing Committee on National Cohesion, Integration and Equal Opportunities on Thursday 10th July, pinned down Kenya Revenue Authority over the recent recruitment that saw only two tribes taking 56 per cent of the share 

Led by Marsabit Senator Mohamed Chute, the committee demanded an explanations as to any KRA hired so many employees from Kalenjins and Kimuyus leaving the balance to be competed by 50 tribes 

Chute warned KRA of playing politics in the recruitment of the staffs yet the constitution is very clear on regional balance, fair competition, marginalization, merits and 5 per cent reserved for people living with disabilities 

The Committee on National learnt that Kalenjins formed the majority of Kenya Revenue Authority’s June 2023 recruitment of Revenue Service Assistants (RSAs), asking whether it was ‘shareholding’

Submissions by KRA to the committee showed the Kalenjin community comprised 403 of the 1,406 RSA that were recruited.

They were followed by Kikuyu (385), Luhya (134), Luo (76), Kenyan Somali (71), Kamba (64) and Meru (55).

Others were Kisii (43), Maasai (42), Embu (18), Borana (12), Teso (12), Mijikenda (11) and Turkana (11).

The report said the RSAs reported from June 17, 2023, and the human resources onboarding process concluded on June 23, 2023.

“The RSAs will undergo a two-month training on VAT, excise and paramilitary,” the report stated.

KRA said the criteria prescribed for paramilitary training requirements were to be met to avoid casualties or/ loss of life due to the vigorous nature of the training.

The report noted that the advert for the job opening was closed on May 23, 2023. It said a total of 127,117 complete applications were received for the RSA’s job.

“Shortlisting was done and concluded on June 12, 2023,” it added.

Interested candidates applied for the position in the KRA e-recruitment portal.

They were required to have attained a minimum KCSE grade of D+ and be aged between 18 – 35 years.

The report added that the role of a RSA is purely field enforcement and intelligence in tax evasion which is equated to policing, a role where one can swiftly walk/run and intervene on revenue leakages on both VAT and excise.

“This is similar to Italy Revenue Police with the only difference being that the RSA’s in Kenya will not be armed but have enforcement powers,” the report explained.

Their roles will include interception and verification of tax receipts issued by traders/ taxpayers, and inspection of registration certificates to determine offences under the VAT and Excise Duty Act.

They will also conduct validation of excise licenses displayed by taxpayers and premises licensing and issuance of seizure notices for impounded goods for excise.