The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has appointed George Obell
as the Commissioner for the Micro and Small Taxpayers Department (MST),
effective November 10, 2025.
In a statement on Monday, the authority said the appointment
is part of efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, enhance service
delivery, and promote organizational excellence.
"As part of 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 10th November, 2025," the Commissioner
General, Humphrey Wattanga, said.
Obell has been serving in an acting capacity since the
department’s establishment on March 1, 2025.
He brings more than 28 years of experience in tax
administration, offering extensive strategic and technical expertise, the authority
said.
In its statement, KRA said the Board and Management
congratulate Obell on his appointment and expressed confidence in his
leadership.
The authority noted that his vision would further strengthen
KRA’s efforts in supporting the micro and small taxpayers segment.
“The Board and Management 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,” the statement read.
The appointment marks a key milestone in KRA’s bid to
promote tax compliance and improve service delivery among small and micro
enterprises, a critical sector in Kenya’s economy.
Before this appointment, Obell was the Deputy Commissioner
for the Medium Taxpayers Office (MTO) and the Deputy Commissioner for the East
and South of Nairobi (E&SoN) Tax Service Office.
During his tenure, he spearheaded key reforms focused on tax digitalization.
These included the implementation of electronic invoicing
systems, adoption of data analytics, and the use of risk-based compliance
interventions to improve operational efficiency.
Obell currently chairs the African Tax Administration Forum
(ATAF) VAT Technical Committee.
His expertise covers several areas of tax policy and administration.
These include 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, 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.) degree from the University of Nairobi.
He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the
United States International University (USIU–Africa).
Obell is a member of the Institute of Certified Public
Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK).
