The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has confirmed the appointment of George Obell, MBS, as the new Commissioner for the Micro and Small Taxpayers Department (MST), effective 10 November 2025.
Obell, who has been serving in an acting capacity since the department’s creation on 1 March 2025, brings over 28 years of experience in tax administration and digitalisation. KRA lauded his appointment, stating that his leadership will strengthen service delivery and support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“His visionary leadership will strengthen KRA’s efforts in fostering inclusive economic growth and improving services for small taxpayers,” the Authority said in a statement.
The establishment of the MST Department is part of KRA’s ongoing strategy to broaden the tax base and boost compliance among small enterprises.
Obell’s Career and Achievements
Before this appointment, Obell served as Deputy Commissioner at both the Medium Taxpayers Office (MTO) and the East & South of Nairobi (E&SON) Tax Service Office. He spearheaded major reforms, including the rollout of electronic invoicing, the use of data analytics, and risk-based compliance systems that enhanced operational efficiency.
Beyond his work at KRA, Obell chairs the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) VAT Technical Committee, where he contributes to discussions on digital taxation, transfer pricing, Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS), and Exchange of Information (EOI) across the continent.
In recognition of his contribution to Kenya’s tax reform agenda, Obell was honoured with the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS).
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He holds an MBA and LL.B. from the University of Nairobi, and a BSc in Accounting from USIU-Africa. He is also a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK).
KRA to Hire 10,000 Tax Agents
In a related announcement, KRA revealed plans to recruit 10,000 tax agents nationwide. The agents will earn commissions by assisting with tax registration, filing, and payments, part of KRA’s Citizen Assembly initiative aimed at enhancing compliance, taxpayer education, and rebuilding public trust, particularly in underserved regions.
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Appointee | George Obell, MBS |
| Position | Commissioner, Micro and Small Taxpayers Department (MST) |
| Effective Date | 10 November 2025 |
| Experience | 28+ years in tax administration |
| Previous Roles | Deputy Commissioner, MTO and E&SON |
| Major Achievements | Led tax digitalisation and compliance reforms |
| Education | MBA, LL.B. (University of Nairobi); BSc in Accounting (USIU-Africa) |
| Honours | Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) |
| Professional Membership | ICPAK |
| Upcoming KRA Initiative | Recruitment of 10,000 tax agents nationwide |
