The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) on Friday, March 26, announced changes in its leadership with two new commissioners appointments.
In a statement to newsrooms, KRA’s Commissioner-General Githii Mburu stated that the new commissioners were appointed in a leadership capacity enhancement programme.
Lilian Anyango Nyawanda as Commissioner of Customs and Border Control and Dr. Edward Kinyua Karanja will be the new Commissioner of Investigation and Enforcement.
Mburu explained that the two roles were key pillars in delivering KRA’s vision to be a Globally Trusted Revenue Agency facilitating Tax and Customs compliance.
"At KRA, we are pleased to welcome aboard the two Commissioners in their new roles, which are crucial leadership appointments. The two leaders will play a key role in spearheading and sustaining revenue mobilization and institutional transformation agenda," the commissioner-general stated.
Prior to her appointment as Commissioner Customs and Border Control, Nyawanda served as the Customs and Excise Manager of Africa Region at the Diageo Centre of Excellence overseeing the customs governance, risk management and international trade operations.
She has served as acting Senior Revenue Officer in charge of gateway clearance sheds and cargo handling at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Nyawanda has also served some of Kenya's biggest companies including Deloitte East Africa Limited and EABL in various capacities. The commissioner furtjer lectured on a part-time basis at the Strathmore School of Law, focusing on tax Law and Customs matters.
"Nyawanda brings to KRA a broad wealth of experience gained from public sector, private sector and academia in customs and international trade matters both within the East Africa region and Africa in general. She has broad experience in customs administration, policy and legislation having been part of various legislative reviews and changes," Mburu stated.
On his part, Dr. Edward Kinyua Karanja is currently the Acting Commissioner of Investigation and Enforcement in addition to his substantive role as the Deputy Commissioner – Investigation and Enforcement, a position he has held since 2019.
Dr. Karanja has a wealth of experience in tax investigations and has significantly contributed towards reforms geared towards countering tax evasion and building confidence in tax systems. He has instituted investigations that have led to the recovery of taxes.
