President William Ruto has nominated former Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga as Kenya’s High Commissioner to South Africa, in a fresh round of diplomatic appointments and redeployments within the Foreign Service.
According to a press release issued by the Executive Office of the President on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, the nominations are part of a routine cycle aimed at strengthening Kenya’s diplomatic presence abroad and supporting the expansion of the country’s global footprint.
"His Excellency the President has today effected nominations within the nation’s Foreign Service," the statement read."These postings arise from the regular cycle of succession within Kenya’s missions abroad and to support the expansion of the nation’s diplomatic footprint."
Wattanga, who recently exited his role at KRA following the non-renewal of his contract, has been nominated to serve in Pretoria, South Africa.
His appointment now awaits consideration and approval by the National Assembly.
In the same dispatch, the President nominated Dr. Julius Murori Mbijiwe as Ambassador to the Vatican (The Holy See), further signaling Nairobi’s continued engagement with key global institutions and religious diplomacy channels.
The reshuffle also affects deputy ambassadorial positions, with Ambassador Irene Maswan nominated for deployment to London, United Kingdom, and Ambassador Judy Muthoni Njau designated for Brussels, Belgium, representing Kenya’s interests at the European Union.
"In fulfillment of the constitutional imperatives on the appointment of State officers, His Excellency the President has caused the transmittal of the nominations to the National Assembly for consideration and approval by Parliament," the statement added.
Wattanga’s nomination comes just hours after the KRA Board announced his departure from the tax authority, where he had overseen key institutional reforms and restructuring efforts, since August 2023.
His transition to a diplomatic role underscores a broader pattern of redeploying senior public officials into Foreign Service positions.
South Africa remains one of Kenya’s most significant economic and political partners on the continent, hosting a large Kenyan diaspora and serving as a gateway for trade within the Southern African region.
Meanwhile, postings to London and Brussels are seen as vital in maintaining Kenya’s engagement with major global powers and multilateral institutions, particularly in the context of trade, development cooperation, and geopolitical relations.
The nominations now shift focus to Parliament, where vetting will determine whether the nominees assume their respective roles. If approved, the appointments will mark a new phase in Kenya’s diplomatic engagements across Africa, Europe, and the Holy See.
The government reiterated that the changes are part of ongoing efforts to ensure efficiency, continuity, and effectiveness in representing Kenya’s interests abroad.