KRA Fires Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga

KRA HQ Time Towers

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced a major leadership transition after Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga exited office following the Board’s decision not to renew his contract.

In a statement dated April 8, 2026, KRA confirmed that Wattanga has proceeded on terminal leave with immediate effect, effectively ending his tenure at the helm of the tax agency.

“The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Board informs the public that it will not be renewing Mr. Humphrey Wattanga’s Contract of Service as Commissioner General. Consequently, and in accordance with his Contract of Service, he is proceeding on terminal leave effective immediately,” the statement read in part.

Despite the abrupt exit, the Board commended Wattanga for his leadership, noting that he played a key role in advancing reforms within the Authority.

“The Board takes this opportunity to commend the outgoing Commissioner General for his dedicated service and leadership to the Authority and the country,” KRA stated.

According to the Board, Wattanga was instrumental in driving organisational restructuring reforms aimed at improving efficiency and strengthening tax compliance during his tenure.

Taking over in an acting capacity is Lilian Nyawanda, the current Commissioner for Customs and Border Control, as the Board initiates the process of recruiting a substantive Commissioner General.

Wattanga assumed office in August 2023 on a three-year contract secured through a competitive recruitment process. Before his appointment, he served for six years as Vice Chairperson of the Commission on Revenue Allocation.

Nyawanda now steps into the role at a critical time when revenue collection remains central to financing government operations amid ongoing economic pressures.

She will oversee key functions including revenue collection, tax administration, and the implementation of ongoing reforms as KRA continues efforts to enhance efficiency and widen the tax base.

The leadership changes come just a day after KRA surpassed the Sh2 trillion mark in cumulative revenue collection by the end of the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year.

As of March 31, 2026, the Authority had collected Sh2.038 trillion against a target of Sh2.122 trillion, translating to a performance rate of 96.1 per cent and an eleven point four per cent growth compared to the same period in the previous financial year.