In a swift turn of events, President William Ruto has nominated former Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga as Kenya’s new High Commissioner to South Africa, just hours after his exit from the tax agency was made public.
The redeployment, announced Wednesday evening, signals a strategic diplomatic reshuffle as Nairobi seeks to strengthen its presence in South Africa—one of Africa’s most influential economic hubs.
Wattanga’s departure from the Kenya Revenue Authority was confirmed by Board Chair Ndiritu Muriithi, who revealed that the outgoing commissioner had proceeded on terminal leave with immediate effect.
Barely hours later, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei issued a notification confirming the President’s nomination of Wattanga to Pretoria, underscoring the administration’s fast-paced decision-making.
Wattanga’s nomination is part of a wider diplomatic overhaul aimed at reinforcing Kenya’s global footprint. In the same dispatch, President Ruto also nominated:
Julius Murori Mbijiwe as Ambassador to the Vatican
Irene Maswan as Deputy Head of Mission to the United Kingdom
Judy Muthoni Njau as Deputy Head of Mission to Belgium
According to Koskei, the appointments are part of the “regular cycle of succession” within Kenya’s foreign missions and are designed to support the expansion of the country’s diplomatic reach.
In line with constitutional requirements, the nominations have been forwarded to the National Assembly for vetting and approval, a process that will determine when the envoys formally assume office.
Wattanga’s posting to Pretoria places him at the heart of one of Kenya’s most critical bilateral relationships on the continent. South Africa remains a key trade partner and political ally, making the High Commissioner role pivotal in advancing economic diplomacy and regional cooperation.
His transition from tax administration to diplomacy also highlights a growing trend in Ruto’s administration—deploying seasoned technocrats to strategic international postings.
As the reshuffle unfolds, all eyes will be on Parliament’s vetting process and how these appointments reshape Kenya’s diplomatic posture in an increasingly competitive global landscape.
