Adan Abdulla Mohamed has officially been sworn in as the new Commissioner General of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), beginning a three-year term at a time when the government is under pressure to strengthen domestic revenue collection.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Supreme Court on Wednesday, May 20, following his appointment by National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi. His appointment had earlier been published in a special issue of the Kenya Gazette dated May 18, 2026, and took effect on the same date.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 11 (1) of the Kenya Revenue Authority Act, the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury appoints Adan Abdulla Mohamed to be the Commissioner General of Kenya Revenue Authority, for a period of three (3) years, with effect from the 18th May, 2026,” the notice reads.
Mohamed replaces Humphrey Wattanga, who left the position in April 2026 after being appointed Kenya’s High Commissioner to Australia by President William Ruto.
His appointment comes as the government intensifies efforts to improve tax mobilisation amid tightening fiscal conditions and increasing public expenditure demands. KRA is expected to play a central role in expanding the tax base and modernising revenue systems.
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Mohamed brings extensive experience from both the private and public sectors. He previously held senior leadership roles in banking, including Chief Executive Officer of Barclays Kenya and regional leadership positions covering East and West Africa. He also served in government as Cabinet Secretary for Industrialization and Trade, and later in charge of East African Community and regional development affairs.
During the swearing-in, KRA Board Chairman Ndiritu Muriithi was among those present.
However, his appointment has already faced legal challenge, with a petition filed questioning its legality. One of the key issues raised relates to age eligibility, with claims that Mohamed is approximately 62 years- above the mandatory retirement age of 60 for public officers as outlined in public service regulations.
The petitioner argues that no legal exemption applies and further claims the appointment may contravene constitutional principles on leadership, integrity and merit-based public service under Articles 73 and 232. The court has directed both parties to submit their arguments and supporting documents ahead of a hearing scheduled for May 26.
Despite the legal challenge, Mohamed is expected to assume full responsibility as Chief Executive and Accounting Officer of the tax authority, where he will oversee tax administration, digital transformation and enforcement of compliance with tax and customs laws as KRA seeks to boost revenue collection in the coming years.
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