Michael Waweru, the former Commissioner General of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), passed away on Saturday, July 6, at the age of 74. His death was confirmed by KRA’s chairperson, Anthony Mwaura. While the cause remains unclear, Waweru’s contributions to Kenya’s tax administration and economic growth are widely recognized.
Dr. Waweru served as the Commissioner General of KRA from 2003 to 2012, a period that marked significant transformation in Kenya’s tax culture. Mwaura praised Waweru for his pivotal role in modernizing KRA and fostering a robust tax compliance culture. “Dr. Waweru led KRA for nine years, and we take great pride in acknowledging his significant contributions. He established a strong foundation for the country’s tax compliance culture and transformed KRA through staff empowerment,” Mwaura stated.
Under Waweru’s leadership, Kenya experienced a remarkable increase in revenue collection, which tripled from Sh183 billion in 2002 to over Sh630 billion in 2011. His efforts in enhancing revenue collection have left an enduring legacy for the nation’s sustainable economic progress.
Leadership Beyond KRA
Beyond his tenure at KRA, Michael Waweru held several significant leadership roles. Until his passing, he served as the Chairman of the Board at East Africa Cables, a position he had held since June 2017. His leadership was instrumental in steering the company toward success.
Shaka Kariuki, chairperson of TransCentury Plc, the parent company of East Africa Cables, expressed deep sorrow over Waweru’s passing. In his eulogy, Kariuki lauded Waweru for his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication. “Dr. M. G. Waweru’s contributions were immeasurable, and his legacy will forever be etched in the history of our company and our hearts,” said Kariuki, highlighting Waweru’s pioneering spirit that laid the foundation for the group’s success.
