KRA Appoints George Obell to Lead New Department for Micro and Small Taxpayers

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has appointed George Obell, MBS, as the Commissioner for the Micro and Small Taxpayers Department (MST), effective November 10, 2025.

Obell had been serving in an acting capacity since the department’s creation on March 1, 2025. In its announcement, KRA said the appointment was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, enhance service delivery, and promote organisational excellence.

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

With over 28 years of experience in tax administration, Obell has built a strong reputation for technical expertise and strategic leadership. Before his appointment, he served as Deputy Commissioner for the Medium Taxpayers Office (MTO) and Deputy Commissioner for the East and South of Nairobi (E&SoN) Tax Service Office.

Beyond his work at KRA, Obell chairs the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) VAT Technical Committee, where he contributes to shaping tax policy across the continent.

His professional background spans digital taxation, transfer pricing, Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS), tax audits, and Exchange of Information (EOI).

Obell holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of Nairobi, along with 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 congratulated Obell on his appointment, expressing confidence in his ability to strengthen the Authority’s engagement with micro and small taxpayers.