Former Industrialisation CS Adan Mohamed appointed KRA Commissioner General
The National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has appointed former Cabinet Secretary for Industrialisation, Adan Abdulla Mohamed, as the new Commissioner General of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), marking a significant leadership change at the country’s tax agency.
The appointment, which takes effect from May 18, 2026, was published in a special issue of the Kenya Gazette dated the same day. Mohamed replaces Humphrey Wattanga, who exited the position in April 2026.
According to the gazette notice signed by Mbadi, the appointment was made under Section 11(1) of the Kenya Revenue Authority Act.
“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’s appointment comes at a time when the tax authority is under pressure to strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation amid rising fiscal demands and economic constraints.
He brings decades of experience spanning banking, economic policy, trade and public administration.
In the private sector, he previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Barclays Kenya, Managing Director for Barclays East and West Africa, and Chief Administrative Officer for Barclays Africa, where he oversaw operations across ten countries.
In public service, he has held senior roles including Cabinet Secretary for Industrialisation and Trade, and later Cabinet Secretary for the East African Community and Regional Development docket.
He currently serves as Chief of Strategy Execution at State House under President William Ruto’s administration.
Born in Kutulo, Mandera County, Mohamed rose from humble beginnings through education and leadership.
He attended Kangaru High School and later graduated from the University of Nairobi in 1989 with a first-class Bachelor of Commerce degree.
