Mr. Kirira graduated with a Masters degree in Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Pittsburgh and BA (Hons) from Makerere University in Economics and Agricultural Economics. He is trained and experienced in Fiscal Affairs and Tax Administration.

In his professional career, he has been a long serving tax and fiscal policy administrator. He served in various capacities in the Treasury including, the Director of Fiscal & Monetary Affairs, Economic Advisor to the Central Bank of Kenya before his appointment as the Financial Secretary to the Treasury .

He worked as Chief Executive of the Kenya Hotelkeepers and Caterers Association, which brings together tourist hotels and restaurants. He has consulted with various local and regional organizations on economics and public administration.

He is currently a Managing Consultant with Global Economic Investment and Financial Consultancy Limited (GEIFIC Limited).

He has participated as a director in many companies including: Kenya Commercial Bank Limited, Savings & Loan Limited, Kenya Commercial Bank (Tanzania) Limited, Associated Vehicle Assemblers Ltd, Housing Finance, Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Post Office Savings Bank, National Social Security Fund, Phoenix Publishers and Suntra Investment Bank Ltd.