Director Josephine Manyasi ‘ndc’(K) (KENYA)
July 2025 – Present
Josephine Manyasi is a dynamic and accomplished Customs and Tax professional with over nineteen (19) years of progressive experience and a passion for people and organisational change processes. Before joining the World Customs Organization, East and Southern Africa as the Director, she served as the Deputy Commissioner coordinating Cargo Scanning & Monitoring operations within the Customs and Border Control Department of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). Prior to this, she held the position of Deputy Commissioner in charge of implementing Trade Facilitation initiatives and fostering Customs Business relationships by partnering with stakeholders at the national, regional and international levels.
Ms. Manyasi began her career at the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) as a graduate trainee and rose through the ranks from Revenue Officer to her most recent position as Deputy Commissioner.
Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management from Moi University and two Masters degrees: Master of International Studies and Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Strategic Management, both from the University of Nairobi. She also holds a Graduate Trainee Certificate in Tax and Customs Administration from the Kenya Revenue Authority Training Institute and a Certificate in National and International Strategic Security Studies from the National Defence College, Kenya.
As an alumni of the Strathmore Business School Advanced Management Programme (AMP), she is equipped with the skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of the modern global business environment, drive organizational growth and contribute to the transformation of organizational leadership. She is also a Certified Leadership Executive Coach among other qualifications and certifications.
Ms. Manyasi is a full member of the Kenya Institute of Management and is the founder and a member of the Association of Practicing and Professional Entrepreneurs of Kenya.
Director Emeritus Larry Liza (KENYA)
2015 – 2025
Larry Liza is a Kenyan born writer, leader, diplomat, renowned poet and speaker. He served as the Director of the World Customs Organization, East & Southern Africa, Regional Office for Capacity Building (WCO ESA ROCB) in-charge of implementing capacity building initiatives for 24 Member countries in the region from 2015 to 2025. He has immense knowledge in the region and the globe from the focus areas of his service, including in promoting trade facilitation, revenue mobilization, enhancing compliance and enforcement, professionalism of human capital and regional integration. He is credited with successfully implementing the regional strategy while leveraging on talent and innovation, relationships building and creating partnerships. He is at the WCO on secondment from the Kenya Revenue Authority.
Larry is the author of the bestselling books Protecting our World (children’s book on environment), Monday Motivations PROFOUND, and IRRESISTIBLE (an anthology of poems), all which have been featured in leading newspapers. His latest book, COVID STORIES: Tests & Testimonies was released in August 2021. He has many other work-related publications.
Larry also serves as a global ambassador for the White Ribbon Alliance, championing maternal health across the globe. He has a Masters degree in Planning and Management (Env.) and a Bachelor of Science degree, both from the University of Nairobi, among other qualifications. He has recited poems since the age of 4 across the globe. He was appointed and a Global Champion for Safe Motherhood by the White Ribbon Alliance in 2014, championing maternal health as a performing poet and writer.
Director Christine Msemburi (ZIMBABWE)
2013 – 2015
Director John Bisonga (KENYA)
2008 – 2012