KRA goes digital to make paying taxes easier for small businesses
Times Tower which is the headquarters of Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). File pho
Paying taxes in Kenya could soon become easier and faster, especially for small businesses.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) says it is turning to technology to help people pay Value Added Tax (VAT) more easily. This includes new tools like online filing, digital receipts, and phone-based tax services.
KRA shared this plan during a regional meeting in Nairobi hosted by the African Development Bank. The meeting brought together government officials and tax experts from across East Africa to talk about how technology can improve VAT collection.
“We are using digital systems to make tax compliance simple for everyone, especially small businesses,” said Mr George Obell, the Acting Commissioner for Micro and Small Taxpayers at KRA.
He said Kenya has already started using tools like e-filing and e-invoicing, which help people submit taxes online and track their sales in real time.
“These changes are making things easier for taxpayers and helping us collect more revenue,” he added.
The seminar also gave countries a chance to learn from one another. South Sudan’s tax boss, Mr Chol Paul Kur, said his country is planning to switch from sales tax to VAT.
“Sales tax is limited. VAT can help us raise more money for national development,” he said.
The aim is to make paying taxes simpler, more transparent, and less stressful—especially for mama mbogas, boda boda riders, and shop owners who may not have accountants or computers.
KRA says that with these digital tools, businesses will be able to:
- File tax returns on their phones
- Get automatic records of sales
- Avoid delays and penalties
The push for digital taxes comes at a time when Kenyans are demanding better services and more accountability.
Just days ago, a harsh tweet went viral, joking about how the government responds after someone dies, saying: “Just allow us to kill you. We shall employ your widow...”
The message, though sarcastic, showed how frustrated many Kenyans feel. Improving how taxes are collected—and how money is used—could help rebuild trust.
