NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Revenue Authority has officially launched the recruitment process for a new Commissioner General following the exit of Humphrey Wattanga, marking a critical leadership transition at the country’s tax authority.
In a notice issued Tuesday, April 14, the KRA board said it is seeking a Chief Executive Officer who will steer the institution through its next phase of transformation, with a strong focus on revenue mobilisation, technological innovation and service delivery.
“The Commissioner General will lead the institution through its transformative journey,” the authority said in the advertisement, outlining a mandate that includes overseeing daily operations, managing public resources and ensuring alignment with KRA’s strategic vision.
The recruitment follows a turbulent exit for Wattanga, who was sent on terminal leave earlier this month after reportedly declining to resign. According to board chair Ndiritu Muriithi, the decision not to renew his contract was based on performance concerns, particularly missed revenue targets.
“Overall, KRA performance needs to improve, and the buck stops with the CEO,” Muriithi said, adding that the board is ultimately accountable for the performance of the Commissioner General.
Shortly after his exit, President William Ruto nominated Wattanga as Kenya’s ambassador to South Africa, while appointing Lilian Nyawanda to take over in an acting capacity.
According to the job advertisement, candidates for the top position must be Kenyan citizens with at least 15 years of relevant professional experience, including 10 years in senior leadership roles.
Applicants are also required to hold a Master’s degree in fields such as finance, economics, law, or business, and demonstrate compliance with Chapter Six of the Constitution and the Leadership and Integrity Act.
The incoming Commissioner General will be expected to unlock untapped revenue streams, strengthen compliance systems, and drive digital transformation within the authority — priorities seen as key to improving efficiency and sealing revenue leakages.
KRA has increasingly leaned on technology-driven solutions to widen the tax base and boost collections, but persistent shortfalls have drawn criticism from policymakers and stakeholders, raising questions about institutional capacity and leadership effectiveness.
The board has set May 5 as the deadline for applications, with the successful candidate expected to take charge of one of Kenya’s most critical revenue institutions at a time of heightened economic scrutiny.
