KRA Names Lilian Nyawanda Acting Boss After Exit of Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga

KRA Names Lilian Nyawanda Acting Boss After Exit of Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced a leadership transition following the exit of its Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga, bringing an end to his tenure at the helm of the country’s principal tax collection agency.

In a statement released on April 8, 2026, the KRA Board confirmed that Wattanga’s contract, which began in August 2023, would not be renewed upon expiry. The board commended his service, crediting him with steering key institutional reforms during his time in office.

“The KRA Board announces transition. Mr Humphrey Wattanga concludes his service as Commissioner General. We commend his leadership and instrumental role in our restructuring reforms,” the statement read.

The board further expressed appreciation for his contribution to the authority and the nation, noting that his tenure was marked by efforts to streamline operations, improve tax compliance, and enhance service delivery.

With immediate effect, the board appointed Dr Lilian Nyawanda as Acting Commissioner General, pending the recruitment of a substantive office holder. Nyawanda previously served as Commissioner for Customs and Border Control, a role in which she oversaw critical aspects of trade facilitation and border revenue management.

“In the interim, the Board has appointed Dr Lilian Nyawanda as the Acting Commissioner General… We remain committed to effective and efficient service delivery for all Kenyans,” the statement added.

The appointment signals a continuity strategy by the authority as it navigates a leadership transition in one of the most sensitive and high-profile public offices. The position of Commissioner General plays a central role in revenue mobilisation, which is critical to funding government operations and development programmes.

During his tenure, Wattanga oversaw a series of reforms aimed at modernising KRA’s systems, including digital tax administration initiatives and enforcement measures targeting tax evasion. His leadership also coincided with broader government efforts to expand the tax base and improve efficiency in revenue collection.

Prior to his appointment at KRA, Wattanga served as Vice Chairperson of the Commission on Revenue Allocation, where he contributed to policy discussions on equitable sharing of national resources.

Nyawanda now steps into the acting role at a time when the authority is under pressure to meet ambitious revenue targets amid economic challenges. Her responsibilities will include overseeing tax administration, customs operations, and the implementation of ongoing reforms, as well as ensuring stability within the institution during the transition period.

Observers note that the decision to appoint an internal candidate on an acting basis is aimed at maintaining operational continuity while allowing sufficient time for a competitive recruitment process. The search for a substantive Commissioner General is expected to attract significant interest, given the strategic importance of the role.

The leadership changes also come against the backdrop of recent internal adjustments within the authority. In September 2025, Nancy Ng’etich was appointed Commissioner for the Shared Services Department, while Doreen Mbingi took up an acting role as Commissioner for the Large and Medium Taxpayers Department.

These appointments form part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at strengthening KRA’s institutional capacity and enhancing service delivery across its departments.

As Nyawanda assumes office, attention will be on how the authority sustains momentum in revenue collection while addressing compliance challenges and taxpayer concerns. Stakeholders will also be watching closely as the board initiates the process of identifying a permanent successor to lead the agency into its next phase.

For now, the transition marks a significant moment for KRA, as it seeks to balance continuity with change in its mission to drive Kenya’s revenue agenda.

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KRA Names Lilian Nyawanda Acting Boss After Exit of Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga