The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has appointed Mr. George Obell as the Commissioner for the Micro and Small Taxpayers Department (MST), effective from Monday, 10th November, 2025.
KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga said that the move is part of the taxman’s ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, enhance service delivery, and promote organisational excellence.
“Mr. Obell has been serving in an acting capacity since the department’s establishment on 1st March 2025.
With over 28 years of experience in tax administration, he brings extensive strategic and technical expertise to the role,” said Wattanga.
He explained that prior to this appointment, Mr. Obell served as Deputy Commissioner for the Medium Taxpayers Office (MTO) and as Deputy Commissioner for the East and South of Nairobi (E&SoN) Tax Service Office.
Wattanga, in a statement to newsrooms, said that in these capacities, Mr. Obell led key reforms focused on tax digitalisation, including the successful implementation of electronic invoicing systems, the adoption of data analytics, and the use of risk-based compliance interventions to enhance operational efficiency.
He added that Mr. Obell currently chairs the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) VAT Technical Committee.
“His expertise spans various areas of tax policy and administration, including digital taxation, transfer pricing, Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS), tax audits, and Exchange of Information (EOI).
In recognition of his outstanding service and leadership in tax reform, Mr. Obell was awarded the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) by the President of Kenya,” said Wattanga.
The Commissioner General highlighted that Mr. 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 congratulate Mr. Obell on his well-deserved appointment and express confidence that his visionary leadership will further strengthen KRA’s efforts in supporting the micro and small taxpayers’ segment, enhancing compliance, and fostering inclusive growth,” said Wattanga.
By Joseph Ng’ang’a
