KRA Chair Murithii Axes Wattanga, names Nyawanda Acting Boss

Kenya, April 8, 2026 - Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Board Chairman Ndiritu Muriithi has announced the exit of Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga after the Board declined to renew his contract, triggering a leadership transition at the tax agency.

In a statement sent to newsrooms on Wednesday, Muriithi said Wattanga will proceed on immediate terminal leave, effectively ending his tenure at the helm of KRA.

“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… he is proceeding on terminal leave effective immediately,” said Muriithi.

The move marks a significant shake-up at the revenue authority at a time when the government is under pressure to boost tax collection and sustain fiscal stability.

Even as the Board ended his contract, Muriithi commended Wattanga for his contribution to institutional reforms at KRA.

“During his tenure, he played a key role in advancing the Authority’s mandate. Notably, Mr Wattanga has been instrumental in the successful organisational restructuring reforms at the Kenya Revenue Authority,” he said.

Muriithi announced that Dr Lilian Nyawanda will take over in an acting capacity pending the recruitment of a substantive Commissioner General.

“In the interim, the Board has appointed Dr Lilian Nyawanda as the Acting Commissioner General… pending the recruitment of a substantive Commissioner General through a competitive process,” he said.