The National Assembly Cohesion and Equal Opportunities Committee has announced an investigation into the employment of 1,406 Revenue Service Assistants by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
Chaired by Hon. Yussuf Haji, the Committee reached this decision in response to allegations that 133 candidates were excluded from employment after undergoing HIV and pregnancy tests, among other questionable reasons, which the Committee deems as unlawful.
During the hearing, KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga denied that the 133 candidates were rejected due to HIV or pregnancy, attributing the decision to political interference.
He clarified that the recruitment process was conducted by the Kenya Defense Forces on behalf of KRA.
Members of the Committee expressed outrage at KRA’s actions, stating that subjecting applicants to such tests violates both the law and the Authority’s Human Resource guidelines.
Nyeri Town MP, Hon. Duncan Mathenge, cited constitutional violations of human rights and called for appropriate action.
Support for the inquiry was voiced by Ndhiwa MP, Hon. Peters Owino, and Kaspul counterpart Hon. Were Ong’ondo, condemning KRA’s dismissal of candidates based on medical criteria.
Nominated MP Hon. Irene Mayaka questioned the necessity of such tests, pointing out that other state institutions hire staff without similar requirements.
The Committee also scrutinized the involvement of the Kenya Defense Forces in the recruitment process, labeling it as illegal. Chairperson Hon. Yussuf Haji asserted that the inquiry will delve into various aspects of the recruitment process.
In response, Commissioner General Wattanga refrained from commenting, citing ongoing legal proceedings.
He defended the use of the Kenya Defense Forces, emphasizing the nature of the enforcement roles the officers would undertake.