The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced a leadership change at the top of the organization.
The announcement follows Humphrey Wattanga’s conclusion of his tenure as Commissioner General.
“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.
KRA’s Board has appointed Lilian Nyawanda, currently Commissioner of Customs and Border Control, as Acting Commissioner General.
According to KRA, Humphrey Wattanga will not have his contract renewed as Commissioner General and has proceeded on terminal leave.
The Board commended Wattanga’s for his dedicated service, highlighting his instrumental role in driving organizational restructuring reforms that strengthened KRA’s operations and enhanced revenue collection.
Also Read: KRA Collects Ksh2 Trillion After Recording 11.4% Revenue Collection Growth
Lilian Nyawanda Appointed as Acting KRA Commissioner General
The Board has appointed Lilian Nyawanda as Acting Commissioner General, in line with statutory and policy provisions, pending a competitive recruitment process for a substantive appointment.
Nyawanda currently serves as Commissioner of Customs and Border Control and brings extensive expertise in tax administration, compliance, and trade facilitation
In her new role, she will oversee the Authority’s operations, ensuring the effective collection of revenue, facilitation of trade, and enforcement of tax laws.
The Board reaffirmed that the Authority remains committed to delivering efficient and transparent services to all Kenyans during this period.
Lilian Nyawanda Career and Professional Experience
Nyawanda brings over 20 years of experience in tax administration, customs, compliance, and trade management.
She has worked with KRA since 2003, beginning her career as a Revenue Officer, handling customs clearance, revenue collection, and operational administration.
She later rose through the ranks to serve as Commissioner of Customs and Border Control, overseeing import and export operations across Kenya.
Her private-sector experience includes roles such as Customs and Excise Manager, Africa, at Diageo from 2019 to 2021, and Customs Manager at East African Breweries Ltd from 2012 to 2019, where she managed tax governance, compliance, and government relations.
Between 2009 and 2012, she worked at Deloitte as a Tax Consultant, handling customs and international trade issues for clients and streamlining import/export processes for multinational corporations.
She also briefly served as a Part-Time Lecturer at Strathmore Law School.
Also Read: KRA to Target All Small Businesses in New Mandatory VAT Registration Plan
Lilian Nyawanda Academic Backround
Lilian joined the University of Nairobi to study for a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance, graduating in 2001.
In 2002, she then joined United States International University – Africa to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Strategic Management
She later advanced to pursue a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Public Policy and Administration from Walden University.
She also holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Policy and Administration – Policy Analysis from Walden University, where she completed her degree in 2023
