NAIROBI,Kenya Apr 8-The Kenya Revenue Authority has announced a leadership change following the decision not to renew the contract of Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, April 8, the KRA Board, chaired by Ndiritu Muriithi, said Wattanga will proceed on terminal leave effective immediately, in line with his contract terms.
The Board commended Wattanga for his service, noting that he played a key role in advancing the Authority’s mandate during his tenure. It highlighted his contribution to organisational restructuring reforms within KRA, which it said strengthened operations.
“In the interim, the Board has appointed Dr. Lilian Nyawanda as the Acting Commissioner General, pending the recruitment of a substantive office holder through a competitive process,” the statement read.
Lilian Nyawanda currently serves as Commissioner of Customs and Border Control at KRA and will take over the role in an acting capacity as the search for a new Commissioner General begins.
She brings a wealth of experience in tax administration, compliance, and trade facilitation to her new role.
She joined KRA in 2003 as a Revenue Officer, where she handled customs clearance, revenue collection, and operational administration. Over the years, she rose through the ranks to her current position, overseeing import and export operations across the country.
In her appointment as Acting Commissioner General, she is expected to oversee the Kenya Revenue Authority’s operations, with a focus on enhancing revenue collection, facilitating trade, and strengthening enforcement of tax laws.
Nyawanda boasts over two decades of experience spanning tax administration, customs management, compliance, and international trade.
Her career also includes significant private-sector experience. She served as Customs and Excise Manager for Africa at Diageo between 2019 and 2021, and earlier as Customs Manager at East African Breweries Limited from 2012 to 2019, where she was responsible for tax governance, compliance, and government relations.
Additionally, Nyawanda worked as a Tax Consultant at Deloitte from 2009 to 2012, advising clients on customs and international trade matters and supporting multinational corporations in streamlining import and export processes.
The Authority reiterated its commitment to delivering on its mandate efficiently and in the public interest despite the leadership transition.
