Kenya’s tax authority has begun the search for a new chief executive, days after a leadership shake-up that saw its Commissioner General pushed out amid concerns over performance.
In a notice issued on Tuesday, the Kenya Revenue Authority said it was inviting applications for the position of Commissioner General, who also serves as the organisation’s chief executive.
The move follows the exit of Humphrey Wattanga, who was sent on terminal leave last week after declining to step down voluntarily, according to officials familiar with the matter.
The authority’s board has made clear it wants a reset.
“KRA seeks to recruit the Commissioner General who, as Chief Executive Officer, will lead the institution through its journey,” the notice said, outlining a role that includes overseeing daily operations, managing resources and guiding staff across the country.
At the heart of the decision are missed revenue targets—an issue that has drawn mounting scrutiny at a time when the government is under pressure to raise more domestic income.
Ndiritu Muriithi, the board’s chair, said the leadership change was tied to performance concerns.
“Overall, KRA performance needs to improve, and the buck stops with the CEO,” he said. “As the board, we are responsible for the performance of the CEO.”
The tax authority has in recent years struggled to meet ambitious collection goals, even as it expands its digital systems and tightens enforcement. Some analysts argue the targets themselves may be overly optimistic in a slowing economy, while others say stronger leadership and compliance measures are needed.
Shortly after his departure, President William Ruto nominated Mr Wattanga as Kenya’s ambassador to South Africa, a move that has drawn mixed reactions from observers.
In the interim, the authority has appointed Lilian Nyawanda to serve in an acting capacity as it searches for a permanent replacement.
The job description signals the scale of the challenge ahead. The next Commissioner General will be expected to identify new sources of revenue, strengthen tax compliance and improve public trust in the institution.
Applicants must hold at least a university degree and a master’s qualification in fields such as finance, law or economics. They are also required to have at least 15 years of experience, including a decade in senior leadership roles.
Candidates must meet the integrity standards set out in Kenya’s constitution, a requirement that has become more prominent in public appointments in recent years.
Applications close on May 5, with details available on the authority’s official portal.
For many Kenyans, the appointment will be closely watched. The tax authority sits at the centre of the country’s economic policy, shaping how the government raises revenue while balancing the burden on businesses and households.
Whether new leadership can steady the institution—and help it meet its targets without deepening public frustration—remains an open question.