KRA Confirms George Obell as New Commissioner for Micro and Small Taxpayers Department
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has officially confirmed the appointment of George Obell as the new Commissioner for the Micro and Small Taxpayers Department (MST). The announcement, made on Monday, November 10, 2025, formalised a position he had already been handling in an acting capacity for several months.
According to KRA, Obell’s appointment took effect immediately and is part of the authority’s ongoing strategic plan to boost efficiency, improve service delivery, and promote excellence within its operations.
“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 November 10, 2025,” read an official statement from the agency.
The MST Department, which was established in March 2025, focuses on supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). It was created to help small taxpayers understand their tax responsibilities, receive easier access to tax-related services, and enjoy simplified compliance processes.
The department offers customised tax education programs, compliance assistance, and tailored solutions designed to meet the unique needs and challenges that smaller businesses often face in their daily operations.
Obell’s appointment has been widely welcomed and did not come as a surprise to many within the tax and finance sectors. With over 28 years of experience in tax administration, he is considered one of the most seasoned professionals within KRA.
Before taking up this new role, Obell served in several senior leadership positions at the authority, including as the Deputy Commissioner for the Medium Taxpayers Office (MTO) and the Deputy Commissioner for the East and South of Nairobi Tax Service Office (E&SON).
During his tenure in these positions, he led several key reforms aimed at digitising KRA operations. He oversaw the rollout of the electronic invoicing system, the adoption of data-driven analytics, and the implementation of risk-based compliance strategies — all of which significantly improved efficiency and transparency within the authority.
On the international stage, Obell is recognised as a respected expert in tax policy. He currently serves as the Chairperson of the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) VAT Technical Committee, a role that allows him to contribute to shaping tax systems across the continent.
In terms of education, Obell holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of Nairobi.
He also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the United States International University (USIU)-Africa.
In his new role as Commissioner, George Obell is expected to lead efforts to make tax compliance easier and more accessible for MSMEs, who are a crucial part of Kenya’s growing economy.
His leadership will be vital in ensuring that small businesses receive the support they need to meet their tax obligations while continuing to grow and create jobs across the country.
KRA expressed confidence that under Obell’s leadership, the MST Department will continue to strengthen relationships with small taxpayers, foster a more transparent tax culture, and enhance the overall business environment in Kenya.
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