KRA appoints new commissioner to lead micro and small taxpayers department
By Kenneth Mwenda, November 10, 2025The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced the appointment of George Obell, MBS, as the Commissioner for the Micro and Small Taxpayers Department (MST), effective November 10, 2025.
Obell has been serving in an acting capacity since the department’s establishment on March 1, 2025.
“As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, enhance service delivery, and promote organisational excellence, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. George Obell, MBS, as the Commissioner for the Micro and Small Taxpayers Department (MST), effective 10th November, 2025,” the press release read.
With over 28 years of experience in tax administration, Obell brings extensive technical and strategic expertise to the role. Before this appointment, he served as Deputy Commissioner for the Medium Taxpayers Office (MTO) and Deputy Commissioner for the East and South of Nairobi (E&SoN) Tax Service Office.
Driving tax reforms forward
In these positions, he led several reforms focused on tax digitalisation, including the implementation of electronic invoicing systems, the adoption of data analytics, and the use of risk-based compliance interventions to improve operational efficiency.
Obell currently chairs the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) VAT Technical Committee. His experience covers areas such as digital taxation, transfer pricing, Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS), tax audits, and Exchange of Information (EOI).
His work has earned him recognition for leadership in tax reform, and he was awarded the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) by the President of Kenya.
Obell holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of Nairobi, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the United States International University (USIU)-Africa. He is also a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK).
The KRA Board and Management congratulated Obell on his appointment, expressing confidence that his leadership will strengthen the Authority’s work with micro and small taxpayers. The department plays a key role in supporting small businesses, enhancing tax compliance, and fostering inclusive economic growth.
KRA emphasises that the appointment is part of its ongoing efforts to improve institutional capacity, service delivery, and organisational performance.
Under Obell’s leadership, the MST department is expected to continue implementing reforms that simplify tax processes and provide better support to small businesses across the country.