The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has appointed an insider George Obell as the Commissioner for its new wing, the Micro and Small Taxpayers Department (MST), that seeks to enhance collections in the segment.

Mr. Obell, whose appointment starts effective 10th November, 2025, has been serving in an acting capacity since the department's establishment on 1st March this year. 

"With over 28 years of experience in tax administration, he brings extensive strategic and technical expertise to the role. Prior to this appointment, Obell served as Deputy Commissioner for the Medium Taxpayers Office (MTO) and as Deputy Commissioner for the East & South of Nairobi Tax Service Office," the authority noted in a statement.

In these capacities, he led key reforms focused on tax digitalisation, including the successful implementation of electronic invoicing systems, the adoption of data analytics, and the use of risk-based compliance interventions to enhance operational efficiency. 

Mr. Obell currently chairs the African Tax Administration Forum(ATAF) VAT Technical Committee. 

His expertise spans various areas of tax policy and administration, including digital taxation, transfer pricing, Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS), tax audits, and Exchange of Information (EOI). 

Commissioner Obell holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor of Laws(LL.B.) from the University of Nairobi, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the United States International University (USIU)-Africa. He is also a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK). 

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