Humphrey Wattanga sworn in as new KRA Commissioner-General

Humphrey Wattanga Mulongo takes oath of office at the Supreme Court of Kenya in Nairobi on Thursday, August 24, 2023. [Collins Kweyu, Standard]

Humphrey Wattanga Mulongo was Thursday sworn in as the new Commissioner-General of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

Wattanga took the oath of office at a ceremony presided over by Judiciary Chief Registrar Anne Amadi.

He was appointed by Treasury Cabinet Secretary Prof Njuguna Ndung’u in a gazette notice dated August 22, 2023.

Wattanga replaces Githii Mburu, who resigned in February 2023 after serving for three years and seven months.

Mburu’s exit came amid a shake-up that affected several heads of departments. KRA Board Chairman Antony Mwaura said Mburu left to pursue personal interests.

Speaking after taking the oath of office Wattanga said he will be integrating technology into KRA operations to achieve Sh3 trillion revenue collection target set for the 2023-2023 Financial Year.

He said technologies such as advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence will, among others, enable the authority to analyze taxpayer data and uncover potential tax gaps.

The KRA boss further stated that he would push for the implementation of a national tax policy to enhance fairness and equity in tax systems, as well as to create predictability of tax rates and bases, ultimately enhancing tax compliance, among other goals.

"We are looking to accelerate the technological advancements of KRA so that we can leverage digital advancements in technology. Our aim is to explore how we can harness these technological advancements and bring them to the forefront, in order to simplify the tax administration process, make the tax experience more palatable, drive compliance, facilitate enforcement to increase the tax base, and reach the Sh3 trillion target," he said.

The new Commissioner-General holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemical Sciences from Harvard University and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Pennsylvania.

He has worked in various senior leadership positions and a variety of sectors, both locally and internationally.

He began his career as a marketing and development manager for SBC Communications in the USA between 2001 and 2002. He then moved to Agillion Inc. as a marketing strategy and business development manager. Between 2004 and 2017, he was a senior partner at Afcorp Investments in South Africa.

In 2017, he returned to Kenya and became a commissioner and the vice chairperson of the Commission on Revenue Allocation, serving until 2022.

In March 2022, he joined Meghraj Capital Limited as the managing director until his appointment as the KRA Commissioner-General.

KRA welcomed Mulongo to the authority on Twitter, saying they are thrilled to have him as their Commissioner-General.

 “Mr Wattanga brings to the Authority strong leadership and a wealth of knowledge,” KRA said.

“The Board, Management, and staff of KRA congratulate Mr Humphrey Mulongo Wattanga on his appointment as Commissioner General.”