President William Ruto has appointed former Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi as the Chairperson of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Board following fresh reshuffle in his cabinet and new state appointments for enhanced service delivery.
Muriithi replaces Anthony Mwaura, who has been reassigned to lead the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA).
Who is Ndiritu Muriithi?
Ndiritu Muriithi is a seasoned economist, financial markets expert, and politician with over 24 years of leadership and management experience in Kenya, South Africa, Canada, and Australia.
He is widely recognized for spearheading numerous financial market-strengthening initiatives across Africa, including the establishment of credit sharing and scoring institutions, enhancing bond market functions, expanding mortgage markets, and supporting women-owned enterprises. His expertise has contributed to the development of robust financial markets across multiple nations.
Educational Background
Muriithi’s academic background symbolises a foundation in economics and finance. He attended Shamanei Primary School, Kagumo High School, and the prestigious Alliance High School.
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In 1990, he graduated with a degree in economics and finance from St. Francis Xavier University in Canada. He later pursued a master’s degree in project management at the University of Technology, Sydney, in 1994 and 1995.
Political Career
Muriithi served as the second Governor of Laikipia County after being elected as an independent candidate in the 2017 general elections. Earlier, between 2007 and 2013, he was a Member of Parliament representing Laikipia West and an assistant minister for industrialization in the government of the late President Mwai Kibaki.
During his tenure, he championed reforms to improve Kenya’s business environment, promoted investment incentives, and contributed to the development of critical financial and economic policies, including credit bureau legislation, interest rate regulations, taxation, and fiscal measures.
KRA Appointment, Leadership Vision?
Muriithi takes over the KRA Board amid ongoing efforts to strengthen the authority’s performance. His predecessor, Anthony Mwaura, faced legal challenges during his tenure, including a high-profile court case that led to the nullification of his initial appointment in July over procedural irregularities.
Despite his acquittal on corruption charges, Mwaura’s reassignment to KeRRA marks a fresh start for the KRA leadership.
Even as Muriithi takes over the KRA mantle, President Ruto is leaving nothing to chance as he continues to align key state agencies with his Administration’s goals to enhance revenue collection and economic growth.
Stakeholders are optimistic that Muriithi’s extensive experience and reformist approach will drive the KRA to achieve its strategic objectives and improve Kenya’s fiscal landscape.
