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President William Ruto has put forward former Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga for appointment as Kenya’s High Commissioner to South Africa in a new round of diplomatic postings.
In a notice dated April 8, 2026, the Executive Office of the President listed Wattanga among four nominees selected for key foreign assignments as part of changes in the Foreign Service.
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Under the proposed appointments, Wattanga is set to lead Kenya’s mission in Pretoria. Julius Murori Mbijiwe has been nominated as Ambassador to the Vatican, Irene Maswan as Deputy Ambassador to London in the United Kingdom, and Judy Muthoni Njau as Deputy Ambassador to Brussels, Belgium, and the European Union.
According to the notice, the nominations are part of the government’s routine succession plan aimed at strengthening Kenya’s presence abroad.
“The postings are part of the regular succession cycle and are intended to enhance the country’s diplomatic reach,” the statement said, adding that the names have been submitted to the National Assembly for vetting and approval in line with constitutional requirements.
The communication was signed by Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service Felix Koskei.
Wattanga’s nomination comes shortly after the KRA Board confirmed it would not renew his contract as Commissioner General, bringing his tenure at the tax agency to a close.
In an earlier statement on Wednesday, the board said he would proceed on terminal leave as stipulated in his contract, signalling a leadership transition at KRA.
The board also praised his contribution, noting his role in driving the authority’s mandate and overseeing key organisational reforms.
Wattanga, who was appointed Commissioner General on August 22, 2023, has more than 20 years of experience in corporate finance, capital mobilisation, and public sector reform.
If Parliament approves his nomination, he will move from public finance leadership into a diplomatic role representing Kenya in South Africa.
