The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has appointed Dr. Lilian Nyawanda as Acting Commissioner General following the exit of Humphrey Wattanga. The Authority confirmed on Wednesday that Wattanga’s contract would not be renewed, and he has proceeded on terminal leave with immediate effect.
“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,” read a statement issued by Board Chairman Ndiritu Muriithi.
Dr. Nyawanda, who currently serves as Commissioner for Customs and Border Control, will hold the position in an interim capacity pending a competitive recruitment process for a substantive officeholder.
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She brings more than 20 years of experience in tax administration, customs, and international trade, alongside academic credentials that include an MBA in Strategic Management and ongoing doctoral studies in Public Policy and Administration. She has also lectured part-time at Strathmore School of Law, specialising in tax and customs law.
The KRA Board expressed confidence in her leadership, noting that the Authority remains committed to delivering its mandate “effectively, efficiently and in the best interest of the public.”
In a parallel announcement, KRA confirmed the appointment of Dr. Edward Kinyua Karanja as Commissioner of Investigation and Enforcement, formalising his role after serving in an acting capacity. Dr. Karanja has been Deputy Commissioner in the same department since 2019 and boasts a career spanning more than three decades at the Authority.
He joined KRA in 1992 as an Assessor in the Income Tax Department and has since risen through the ranks, holding senior positions in audit, tax policy, and investigations.
KRA credited Dr. Karanja with spearheading reforms to counter tax evasion, strengthen enforcement, and boost compliance, resulting in significant revenue recovery. “He has significantly contributed towards reforms geared towards countering tax evasion and building confidence in tax systems,” the Authority said.
Dr. Karanja holds a Doctorate in Business Administration, postgraduate qualifications in public finance and business administration, and is a certified fraud examiner. He is also a fellow of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya.
By Masaki Enock
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