Ruto nominates ex-KRA boss Wattanga as South Africa envoy

President William Ruto has nominated former Kenya Revenue Authority Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga as High Commissioner to South Africa in a fresh round of diplomatic appointments.

In a notification dated April 8, 2026, the Executive Office of the President said Wattanga is among four nominees earmarked for key foreign missions as part of changes within the Foreign Service.

Under the nominations, Wattanga has been picked to head Kenya’s mission in Pretoria, while Julius Murori Mbijiwe has been nominated as Ambassador to the Vatican. Irene Maswan has been nominated as Deputy Ambassador to London, United Kingdom, while Judy Muthoni Njau has been proposed as Deputy Ambassador to Brussels, Belgium and the European Union.

The notice indicated that the appointments are part of a routine succession cycle aimed at strengthening Kenya’s diplomatic footprint abroad.

“The postings are part of the regular cycle of succession and intended to expand the nation’s diplomatic footprint,” the statement read. It added that the nominations have been forwarded to the National Assembly for vetting and approval in line with constitutional requirements.

“In accordance with constitutional imperatives, these nominations have been transmitted to the National Assembly for consideration and approval by Parliament,” the notice stated.

The communication was signed by Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service, Felix Koskei.

Wattanga’s nomination comes hours after the Kenya Revenue Authority Board announced it would not renew his contract as Commissioner General, effectively ending his tenure at the tax authority.

In a statement issued earlier on Wednesday, the board said Wattanga would proceed on terminal leave in line with his contract, marking a leadership transition at the agency.

The board commended him for his service, noting that he played a key role in advancing KRA’s mandate and implementing organisational restructuring reforms during his tenure.

Wattanga was appointed Commissioner General on August 22, 2023, bringing over two decades of experience in corporate finance, capital mobilisation and public sector reforms.

If approved by Parliament, he will take up the diplomatic posting in South Africa, marking a shift from public finance administration to foreign service.