The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced a leadership change at the top, with Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga proceeding on terminal leave and a new acting head taking over as the tax agency begins a transition period.

In a statement shared on X on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, the KRA Board communicated the changes, pointing out the departure of the current Commissioner General and the interim leadership arrangement put in place.

The Board confirmed that Humphrey Wattanga has exited his role with immediate effect after proceeding on terminal leave, formally marking the beginning of a leadership transition at the authority.

“The Kenya Revenue Authority Board of Directors hereby communicates the exit of the Commissioner General, Humphrey Wattanga, who has proceeded on terminal leave effective immediately,” the statement reads.

The Board acknowledged Wattanga’s tenure at the authority, praising him for his role in strengthening operations and leading key restructuring reforms aimed at improving efficiency within the institution.

“During his tenure, Wattanga played a key role in advancing KRA’s mandate and was instrumental in organisational restructuring reforms. The Board extends appreciation to Wattanga for his contributions and wishes him well in his future endeavours,” the statement reads.

KRA in its statement, further announced the appointment of Lillian Nyawanda as the acting Commissioner General, as the Board begins the process of recruiting a substantive office holder through a competitive exercise.

“In the interim, the Board has appointed Lillian Nyawanda, the Commissioner of Customs and Border Control, as the acting Commissioner General, pending the recruitment of a substantive Commissioner General through a competitive process,” the statement reads.

The transition places Nyawanda at the helm of one of the country’s most critical institutions, with expectations high as the competitive recruitment process begins.

KRA stated that it will immediately focus on stabilising operations under the acting leadership while setting the stage for the appointment of a new Commissioner General.