KRA names Obell as Commissioner for Micro and Small Taxpayers Department

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced the appointment of George Obell, MBS, as the Commissioner for the Micro and Small Taxpayers Department (MST).

The appointment is effective November 10, 2025, a statement said adding this is part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, enhance service delivery and promote organizational excellence.

Obell has been serving in an acting capacity since the department’s establishment on March 2025.

With over 28 years of experience in tax administration, he brings extensive strategie and technical expertise to the role.

Prior to this appointment, 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.

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).

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-deserve ppointment and express confidence that his visionary leadership will furthe strengthen KRA’s efforts in supporting the micro and small taxpayers segment, enhancing compliance, and fostering inclusive economic growth,” said Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga.

KRA has been scrambling various strategies to raise more taxes.