Ruto Nominates Wattanga as High Commissioner to South Africa After KRA Exit

President William Ruto has nominated former Kenya Revenue Authority Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga as Kenya’s High Commissioner to South Africa, in a fresh round of diplomatic changes targeting key foreign missions.

The nomination, which is subject to approval by the National Assembly, will see Wattanga take charge of Kenya’s embassy in Pretoria, a crucial posting given the strong economic and political ties between the two countries.

The changes were communicated in a statement from the Executive Office of the President and signed by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, who said the move is part of efforts to strengthen Kenya’s diplomatic reach while managing transitions within government.

Alongside Wattanga’s nomination, Julius Murori Mbijiwe has been picked as Ambassador to the Holy See. Ambassadors Irene Maswan and Judy Muthore Njau have also been redeployed to serve as Deputy Heads of Mission in London and Brussels, respectively.

Wattanga exits KRA

Wattanga’s appointment comes just hours after his exit from KRA, marking a swift transition from tax administration to diplomacy.

The KRA Board confirmed that his contract would not be renewed and that he would proceed on terminal leave with immediate effect.

Despite the abrupt exit, the Board acknowledged his contribution during his time at the Authority.

To ensure continuity, the Board named Lilian Nyawanda as Acting Commissioner General.

“In the interim, the Board has appointed Lilian Nyawanda as the Acting Commissioner General, pending the recruitment of a substantive office holder through a competitive process,” a statement by KRA read.

Nyawanda, who has been serving as Commissioner for Customs and Border Control, now takes over the reins at a time when KRA is under pressure to boost revenue collection and seal leakages.

She brings over two decades of experience within the Authority, having joined in 2003 as a Revenue Officer. Over the years, she has handled customs operations, enforcement and compliance, rising to oversee import and export systems across the country.

Her immediate focus will be to maintain stability at KRA, strengthen tax enforcement and support trade facilitation as the search for a substantive Commissioner General begins.

“The Authority remains committed to delivering on its mandate efficiently and in the public interest,” the Board said.

Wattanga’s move to South Africa, if approved, places him at the centre of one of Kenya’s most strategic diplomatic stations, as Nairobi looks to deepen trade, investment and regional cooperation within the continent.