National Assembly Majority leader Amos Kimunya has today withdrawn the Kenya Revenue Authority (Amendment) Bill that was seeking to rename the Kenya Revenue Authority to Kenya Revenue Service.
The name change was intended to rebrand the authority in transforming its public image and thus enhancing tax compliance through improved public relations.
“The principal object of the bill is to amend the Kenya Revenue Authority Act, 1995 by changing the name ‘Kenya Revenue Authority’ to ‘Kenya Revenue Service,” Kimunya said in the bill’s memorandum.
However, Kimunya was unable to find a middle ground, hence informing the Speaker of his decision to withdraw the Bill in line with Standing Order 140, bringing an end to the debate.
“Because this is such a fundamental alteration of the original bill, I want to save this house time to debate the Bill by withdrawing the Bill,” Kimunya said.
Garissa Township Member of Parliament (MP) Aden Duale moved an amendment to cushion the current Commissioners and Board members from losing their jobs.
The amendment sought to have the current commissioners be in office for the unexpired period of the term and then the new members shall be recruited.
Duale argued that the name change will make the entity a totally different body and the current Commissioners and Board will have to leave office.