The term of Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Commissioner-General John Njiraini expired without a formal announcement of his replacement, reigniting questions about his continued tenure. Njiraini's six-year term was extended in 2018 after President Uhuru Kenyatta dissolved the Edward Sambili-led board, which had planned to replace him upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60 in 2017. A source claimed he would receive an additional two years, though no official statement has been released.
Auditor General Edward Ouko previously stated Njiraini's position was unlawful, arguing he should have retired in September 2017. Legal challenges surrounding his appointment include a 2017 court ruling that upheld his fixed-term contract under Section 80(2) of the Public Service Commission Act, which exempted him from age restrictions. Njiraini, who succeeded Michael Waweru in 2012, faced allegations of political involvement when he attended a Jubilee Party fundraiser ahead of the 2017 elections.
Recent developments include Njiraini's appointment of Kevin Safari as commissioner for customs and border control following a prolonged recruitment process. The KRA has not commented on ongoing speculation about his potential extension, leaving the agency's leadership transition unresolved.
