Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), on Saturday night, intercepted a consignment of suspected illicit ethanol following a timely intelligence tip-off, in an operation conducted near the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) area in Nairobi.

Officers from the KRA Enforcement Team, Nairobi, acted swiftly on intelligence indicating that lorries suspected to be transporting ethanol had been sighted within a yard near the SGR corridor. Upon arrival at the location, the officers found that the lorries had already departed. However, they recovered the illicit ethanol, which had been offloaded and stored within the yard.

The operation led to the seizure of 20 drums of illicit ethanol, each with a capacity of 250 litres, amounting to a total of 5,000 litres. Also recovered at the scene was a Toyota Fielder registration number KDU 804R, suspected to have been used by the owners of the illicit product. The vehicle was found fitted with gadgets believed to be tracking system jammers, an indication of deliberate attempts to evade law enforcement and surveillance.

Preliminary assessments estimate that the seized ethanol, if compounded and released into the market, would have yielded approximately 48,200 bottles, with an estimated market value of KSh 14.46 million. The motor vehicle is valued at KSh 1.8 million, bringing the total value of goods seized to KSh 16.26 million.

Further analysis indicates that, had the illicit product reached the market, the government would have suffered tax losses amounting to KSh 7.42 million, comprising Value Added Tax (VAT) amounting to KSh 2.6 million and Excise Duty amounting to KSh 4.82 million.

The seized goods and motor vehicle have since been detained at a KRA warehouse as investigations continue, with a view to taking appropriate enforcement action in accordance with the law.

KRA reiterates its commitment to combating illicit trade, protecting legitimate businesses, and safeguarding government revenue. The Authority urges members of the public to continue providing information on suspected tax evasion and illicit trade through KRA’s official reporting channels.

Deputy Commissioner, Enforcement

 The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is pleased to announce two strategic executive appointments approved by the KRA Board, as the institution accelerates its organisational transformation, technology modernization, and evidence-driven tax policy agenda.

1. Appointment of Commissioner for Business Strategy, Technology and Enterprise Modernization

The Board has appointed Mr. Brian Omooria Nyakeri as the Commissioner for Business Strategy, Technology and Enterprise Modernization Department, effective 12th January 2026.

Mr. Nyakeri brings over 20 years of extensive experience from the private sector, with a distinguished career in digital transformation, enterprise architecture, cloud technologies, and large-scale systems modernization. His most recent posting was at Agile Cloud Limited, where he served as Lead Consultant and Chief Technology Officer.

He has previously served in senior leadership roles at IBM East Africa, Dell Technologies Inc., Safaricom PLC, and FHI 360 Inc., where he led major technology initiatives spanning infrastructure, operations, enterprise systems, and innovation.

Mr. Nyakeri holds an Executive Master of Business Administration from the South African Development Centre/IBM Institute for Business Value and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Systems Engineering from Africa Nazarene University. He is additionally certified in multiple global technology disciplines, including cloud architecture, data strategy, systems engineering, network administration, and enterprise design. He is a member of the Computer Society of Kenya and the Information Systems Audit and Control Association.

2. Appointment of Commissioner, Tax Research and Analysis Unit.

The Board has also approved the appointment of Mr. Alex Kimani Mwangi as Commissioner of the newly established Tax Research and Analysis Unit (TR&A), effective 12th January 2026.

The TR&A Unit is a new high-impact, technical office that will serve as the central hub for research, modelling, forecasting, and evidence-based tax policy analysis. The unit will spearhead Kenya’s tax reform analytics, support the National Treasury with empirical insights, and strengthen KRA’s internal research capacity through rigorous data-driven approaches.

Mr. Mwangi joined KRA in 2002 as a Graduate Trainee and has risen through the ranks, most recently serving as the Acting Commissioner, Business Strategy, Technology and Enterprise Modernisation since March 2025. He previously served as Acting Commissioner, Strategy, Innovation and Risk Management, and Deputy Commissioner, Research, Knowledge Management and Corporate Planning.

He holds a Master’s and Bachelor's degree in Statistics from the University of Nairobi and has undertaken global training, including Tax Policy and Administration at the National Tax College in Japan. He is a Certified Ethics and Integrity Practitioner, and a member of the Royal Statistical Society and the Economics Society of Kenya.

Regionally and internationally, Mr. Mwangi has represented KRA in key engagements with the African Tax Administration Forum, International Monetary Fund, OECD, and the East African Revenue Authorities Technical Committee—contributing to major initiatives including the African Tax Outlook and Kenya’s Medium-Term Revenue Strategy.

These appointments reflect KRA’s continued commitment to strengthening digital transformation, deepening analytical and forecasting excellence, and advancing the next phase of administrative and policy reforms. Their leadership is expected to play a significant role in driving transformative, organisation-wide impact.

KRA congratulates Mr. Nyakeri and Mr. Mwangi on their appointments and urges all taxpayers and stakeholders to continue extending their support and collaboration.

KRA reaffirms its commitment to fulfilling its mandate of revenue mobilization for national development, while delivering efficient, fair and transparent services to all taxpayers across the country.

 Commissioner General

The Chief Magistrate’s Court at Kakamega Magistrate’s Court has sentenced to one-year imprisonment a lorry driver, Mr. Shadrack Chirchir Kogo, who had been charged in January 2024 with the offence of conveying uncustomed goods contrary to the East Africa Community Customs Management Act,2004. In addition, the Court ordered for the forfeiture of cigarettes valued at Kshs. 26,250,000/=, which had been smuggled from Burundi.

Two other accused persons; Jacktone Andayi and Christabel Wafula, who were charged with the offence of being in possession of excisable goods contrary to the Excise Duty Act,2015, were acquitted for lack of evidence. The trio had been charged in connection to 350 cartons each containing 5000 sticks of Supermatch cigarettes and 40 bags of smuggled wheat bran chicken feeds manufactured in Burundi that were found being offloaded at a residential premise at Shuvumbe area in Kakamega on 15th October, 2023. The accused were arrested during an intelligence-led operation conducted by DCI and KRA officers in the residential premise, which was still under construction.

KRA is collaborating with other law enforcement agencies and has put in place a robust mechanism for detecting, deterring and disrupting illicit trade and other forms of tax evasion.

The general public is also urged to report any instances of tax evasion in order to ensure every person pays their fair share of taxes. All information received shall be kept confidential, and the identity of the informant kept 100% anonymous. To report tax fraud, visit https://iwhistle.kra.go.ke/welcome/ or call: +254 20 4 999 999 or +254 711 099 999 for guidance.

Commissioner- Investigations & Enforcement

His Excellency Hon. William Samoei Ruto, has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) with the policies and resources needed to innovate, simplify processes, build public trust, and serve taxpayers more efficiently.

Speaking during this year’s Taxpayers’ Day celebrations held at State House, Nairobi, the President noted that KRA has made significant progress in innovation, highlighting that Kenya is among the earliest countries in Sub-Saharan Africa to integrate AI-powered risk engines into tax compliance, a development that places the nation at the frontier of modern public administration.

“The Customs Department recently recorded its highest-ever monthly customs revenue, KSh 85 billion last month, following the piloting of these engines and the re-engineering of our processes. Domestic VAT collections have also strengthened, rising from KSh 20 billion per month in the 2021/22 financial year to KSh 28 billion today,” said the President.

President Ruto emphasized that KRA has been central to advancing Kenya’s economic sovereignty, noting that revenue collection has increased 21-fold, from KSh 122 billion in 1995 to KSh 2.57 trillion in the 2024/2025 financial year.

“The revenue collected has built our schools and hospitals, powered our infrastructure, and strengthened our sovereignty. We are steadily on track to hit the KSh 3 trillion mark this financial year,” he added. 

The President urged all taxpayers to contribute their fair share, describing tax compliance as an act of patriotism and a vital contribution to nation-building.

“Paying taxes is not merely a legal obligation; it is an act of patriotism and solidarity, a collective commitment to the Kenya we aspire to build. Taxpayers must see value for their contribution, and every public institution must operate with transparency and integrity. Every shilling collected must deliver visible results,” he affirmed.

Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, Hon. John Mbadi, reiterated that revenue collection remains a central priority in financing the country’s development agenda. He said the government will continue leveraging technology to modernize the tax framework, seal revenue leakages, and enhance overall system efficiency.

“Innovation is essential for improving the fairness and effectiveness of our tax system. Technology will also help us broaden the tax base so that every Kenyan contributes their fair share. When everyone pays something, no one feels punished, but when only a few pay taxes, even the compliant ones start looking for the exit,” said CS Mbadi.

KRA Board Chairman, Hon. Ndiritu Muriithi, stated that the Authority’s transformation agenda is anchored on transparency, innovation, and good governance.

“Guided by the 9th Corporate Plan, we are overseeing KRA’s strategic transition from an Authority to a Service, a transformation that reflects a deeper commitment to customer-centricity, accountability, and public trust. This shift heralds a renewed culture of service, partnership, and responsiveness to the needs of every taxpayer,” he said.

On his part, KRA Commissioner General, Mr. Humphrey Wattanga, noted that KRA is redesigning its services around the citizens to ensure that registration, filing, payment, and customer support can be accessed conveniently, securely, and without unnecessary bureaucracy.

“Today, a Kenyan can file returns through a simple USSD code *222*5#, no smartphone needed. And because millions rely on WhatsApp daily, we have taken our services to that platform as well. These innovations mean something profound: we are opening virtual KRA offices in every taxpayer’s pocket,” he added.

During this year’s Taxpayers Day Awards, KRA recognized various institutions and individuals for their exemplary commitment to tax compliance.

(Attached is the list of the awardees)     

DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, CITIZEN RELATIONS & COMMUNICATION

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has today welcomed Mr Shimaka Necheza Leonard as a new member of the KRA Board of Directors, following his appointment by the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning on 4^th November 2025, via Special Gazette Notice No. 15947, and his swearing-in earlier today.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony, the KRA Board Chairman, Hon. Ndiritu Muriithi, noted that Mr. Shimaka joins KRA at a pivotal moment in Kenya’s governance and economic development landscape.

“Mr. Shimaka is joining a unique institution that stands at the heart of the State. Beyond revenue administration, KRA plays a critical role in national security through our border control and enforcement functions. His legal expertise and governance experience will be instrumental as we continue to strengthen institutional integrity and accountability,” Hon. Muriithi remarked.

KRA Commissioner General, Mr. Humphrey Wattanga, welcomed Mr. Shimaka on behalf of the Board, Management, and staff, noting that his entry aligns with KRA’s ongoing transformation into a more customer-centric and service-driven institution.

“We are glad to welcome Mr. Shimaka at a time when KRA is transitioning into a new era that prioritizes customer service, innovation, and institutional trust. His leadership and counsel will support our commitment to exemplify the values of ethical conduct, simplicity in service delivery, competency, helpfulness to taxpayers, and institutional trustworthiness,” said Mr. Wattanga.

Mr. Shimaka is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, Commissioner for Oaths, and Notary Public, with over a decade of distinguished experience in legal practice, governance, and strategic leadership across both public and private sectors. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) (Honours) from Uganda Pentecostal University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law, and is currently pursuing a Master of Laws (LL.M) at the University of Nairobi.

Mr. Shimaka serves as the Managing Partner at Marende Necheza & Co. Advocates, where he has demonstrated exemplary leadership in dispute resolution, legal advisory services, and management of complex legal matters. His professional expertise spans public and private law governance, strategic policy development, legal advisory and analysis, and stakeholder relations.

Beyond his legal career, Mr. Shimaka has demonstrated a notable commitment to community development and youth empowerment, including leadership roles in student and youth associations and representation at key national youth development forums.

KRA welcomes Mr. Shimaka Necheza Leonard and looks forward to leveraging his exemplary blend of legal expertise and governance acumen as he contributes meaningfully to the institution’s mission and the advancement of sound tax policy in Kenya.

Commissioner, Legal & Board Services

As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, enhance service delivery, and promote organizational excellence, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. George Obell, MBS, as the Commissioner for the Micro and Small Taxpayers Department (MST), effective 10^th  November, 2025

Mr. Obell has been serving in an acting capacity since the department’s establishment on 1^st March 2025. With over 28 years of experience in tax administration, he brings extensive strategic and technical expertise to the role.

Prior to this appointment, Mr. Obell served as Deputy Commissioner for the Medium Taxpayers Office (MTO) and as Deputy Commissioner for the East & South of Nairobi (E&SoN) Tax Service Office. In these capacities, he led key reforms focused on tax digitalization, 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.

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.

He 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 economic growth.

COMMISSIONER GENERAL

Kenya Revenue Authority’s (KRA) Marine Unit has enhanced border security and sealed key revenue loopholes along Lake Victoria, demonstrating significant progress in combating illicit trade and boosting tax collection in the region.

In the Financial Year 2023/2024, the Marine Unit intercepted illicit and uncustomised goods valued at Ksh 3.19 million, recovering Ksh 1.6 million in revenue from the operations. The intercepted items were largely linked to small-scale traders attempting to smuggle goods through unauthorised lake routes.

Speaking during a media familiarization session held at the Kisumu Port, Mr.Dominic Kengara, Chief Manager, Customs Western Region, noted that the KRA Marine Unit has in recent years intensified surveillance across Kenya’s territorial waters on Lake Victoria. This heightened vigilance has curtailed illicit trade and the smuggling of uncustomed goods, narcotic drugs, weapons, and other prohibited items entering the country through lake borders.

Mr.Dominic Kengara, Chief Manager, Customs Western Region

“Our operations have greatly contributed to the reduction of illegal cross-border trade while promoting legitimate commerce through proper customs channels,” said Mr. Kengara.

Mr.Kengara further highlighted that the reopening and expansion of the Kisumu Port have revitalized regional trade and significantly boosted revenue collection. In the Financial Year 2024/2025, KRA collected Ksh 107 million at the Kisumu Port, up from Ksh 30 million in the previous financial year. The main revenue driver was sugar imports from Tanzania and Uganda. So far, between May and August 2025, approximately 4,600 metric tonnes of sugar were imported through the port, yielding over Ksh 170 million in duties and taxes.

Exports through the Port of Kisumu have also grown, with frequent consignments including petroleum products, ceramic tiles, wheat, and fertiliser. Mr. Kengara noted that marine clearance has helped decongest the Busia and Malaba One-Stop Border Posts, citing that one vessel exporting petroleum products is equivalent to 135 trucks transporting similar consignments via land routes.

The enhanced marine operations underscore KRA’s commitment to strengthening border management, promoting legitimate trade, and safeguarding national revenue through innovative and efficient customs practices.

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has recorded another landmark achievement in customs tax collection, recording a historic monthly performance of Ksh 85.146 billion in September 2025. This represents the highest amount ever collected in a single month in the Authority’s history, surpassing the previous record of Ksh 82.554 billion set in January 2025.

In September alone, customs collections exceeded the monthly target of Ksh 81.341 billion by Ksh 3.806 billion, achieving a performance rate of 104.7%. This outstanding result also marks an impressive year-on-year growth of 18.8% compared to the same period in the previous financial year.

The remarkable performance is driven by strong collections from both trade and petroleum taxes. Trade taxes contributed Ksh 51,737.92 billion against a target of Ksh 50.739 billion, reflecting a 22.1% growth from the corresponding period last year and a performance rate of 102.0%. Meanwhile, petroleum taxes recorded an exceptional 109.2% performance rate by collecting KSh 33.408 billion against a target of KSh 30.602 billion.

This success is attributed to a series of reforms aimed at enhancing revenue collection efficiency. Notably, the establishment of a central release operation office has played a pivotal role. Under this innovative system, head verification officers operate from a central location and randomly allocate release stations to verify and clear goods. This process has minimised human contact, ensuring more objective cargo release decisions and closing potential revenue loopholes. Additionally, the reform has significantly improved cargo release turnaround times.

These outstanding results underscore KRA’s unwavering commitment to continuously improving tax collection systems and processes to meet revenue targets consistently. The achievement contributes meaningfully to the sustained growth and stability of Kenya’s economy.

COMMISSIONER CUSTOMS & BORDER CONTROL

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is pleased to announce key leadership appointments as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, enhance service delivery and drive organizational excellence.

The KRA Board and Management are committed to ensuring that executive roles are substantively filled while maintaining continuity and accountability across the organization.

Effective 11th September 2025, Ms Nancy Ngétich EBS has been appointed as the Commissioner for Shared Services Department. Ms Ngétich has served as the acting Commissioner of Shared Services since February 2023, where she has overseen organizational reforms, HR alignment with KRA’s 9th Corporate Plan and promoted technology adoption to support revenue mobilization.

Previously, she was Deputy Commissioner Policy & International Affairs in the Customs & Border Control Department at KRA, and Senior Manager Customs & Tax Advisory at Ernst & Young LLP. She has played a pivotal role in customs reforms, trade facilitation, African Continental Free Trade Area negotiations and East African Community customs policy. Ms Ngétich is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and Member of the Law Society of Kenya, the Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya and the Kenya Institute of Management.

Additionally, the following leadership changes have been effected in the Large & Medium Taxpayers Department:

1. CS. Rispah Simiyu (Mrs.) FCCA, EBS – Seconded to the National Treasury & Economic Planning.
2. Ms. Doreen Mbingi, Deputy Commissioner, Compliance East & South of Nairobi, has been appointed to provide leadership for the Large & Medium Taxpayers Department in an acting capacity, pending substantive appointment.

The Authority congratulates Ms Ngétich and Ms. Mbingi on their appointments and urges all taxpayers and stakeholders to continue extending their support and collaboration.

As KRA, we reaffirm commitment to fulfilling our mandate of revenue mobilization for national development, while delivering efficient, fair and transparent services to all taxpayers across the country.

Commissioner General

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has successfully averted an attempt to defraud the government of Kshs 123 million in taxes through irregular clearance of 161 containers of rice at one of the Container Freight Station (CFS) in Mombasa.

The irregular clearance occurred between 1^st August and 23^rd August 2025. However, the anomaly was detected through routine audit checks, prompting immediate and decisive action by the Authority. KRA has since recovered the full amount of revenue that was at risk of loss.

KRA has launched a comprehensive investigation into the matter and is collaborating closely with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and other relevant law enforcement agencies to identify and hold accountable all individuals involved in the fraudulent scheme including staff.

The Authority remains steadfast in its commitment to eradicating corruption within its operations. The Authority assures the public that anyone found culpable, whether staff members or external parties, will face the full rigour of the law.

Commissioner of Customs and Border Control