NAIROBI, Kenya — Former KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga has dismissed claims that he was sacked from the tax agency, telling lawmakers that his exit was consistent with the terms of his employment contract.
Wattanga appeared before the National Assembly Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations Committee on Thursday for vetting following his nomination as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Canada.
The former tax boss served as KRA Commissioner General from August 2023 to April 2026.
During the session, legislators questioned him over reports suggesting he had been removed from office before the expiry of his tenure.
Responding to concerns raised by Martha Wangari, Wattanga said his contract was due to expire in August 2026 but included provisions allowing an office holder to proceed on terminal leave if renewal was not anticipated.
“My contract runs until August this year. There is a provision allowing an incumbent to proceed on terminal leave if the contract is not going to be renewed. I am currently on leave and have already been paid for that period,” Wattanga told the committee.
Wangari had asked the nominee to clarify speculation surrounding his departure from KRA.
“There have been claims that you were dismissed from KRA. Since your term had not ended, can you clarify the circumstances of your exit?” she asked.
Lawmakers also questioned Wattanga over his earlier request to postpone the parliamentary vetting process, with some MPs expressing concern over what they viewed as an unusual move by a presidential nominee.
Yusuf Hassan Abdi told the committee it was uncommon for a nominee appointed by the President to seek a delay in appearing before Parliament.
“You wrote to Parliament asking for the vetting to be postponed. We have never had a nominee appointed by the President request Parliament to delay an approval hearing. What informed that decision?” Yusuf Hassan asked.
In response, Wattanga explained that he sought more time to facilitate a structured transition process at KRA, arguing that the responsibilities attached to the Commissioner General’s office required proper handover arrangements.
The committee further questioned the nominee on Kenya’s trade relations with Canada and his plans to help increase Kenyan exports if approved for the diplomatic posting.
Wattanga acknowledged that Kenya currently faces a trade imbalance with Canada, noting that Canada exported goods worth about 160 million dollars to Kenya in 2025, while Kenya exported goods valued at approximately 58 million dollars to Canada during the same period.
He indicated that expanding trade opportunities and promoting Kenyan exports would form part of his priorities if confirmed as High Commissioner.
The National Assembly committee is expected to prepare a report recommending whether Parliament should approve or reject Wattanga’s nomination for the diplomatic assignment.
