The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening tax compliance for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises through enhanced taxpayer engagement and simplified compliance measures.
Speaking during a taxpayer engagement forum at a hotel in Kisii town on Monday, KRA Commissioner for Micro and Small Taxpayers George Obell said they were currently engaging small tax payers in Western region to gather feedback, outline planned reforms and enhance collaboration between KRA and taxpayers.
“KRA is not just here to collect; we are here to connect, support and ensure seamless compliance while creating a conducive environment for doing business,” Commissioner Obell told members of the local business community.
He assured attendees that KRA has put in place robust measures to address issues previously raised by taxpayers and to enhance compliance levels, particularly among MSMEs, which form the backbone of Kenya’s economy.
According to the Commissioner, simplified solutions had been introduced to make it easier for MSMEs to pay taxes as opposed to enforcement including the use of the electronic Tax Invoice Management System (eTIMS), streamlined daily payment options, the USSD *222# and web-based platforms.
He noted that public engagement and taxpayer education remained central to KRA’s strategy of improving understanding of tax obligations and building a culture of voluntary compliance.
“Western region has the second largest population of tax payers after Nairobi with approximately 3.2 million registered taxpayers and if supported, can drive compliance of tax within this region,” said Obell.
As part of ongoing reforms, the Commissioner highlighted the introduction of simplified tax solutions aimed at making compliance more convenient and less of a burden for small businesses.
One of the key changes announced is the greater flexibility in the payment of Turnover Tax (TOT) where eligible taxpayers would be allowed to remit Turnover Tax on a daily basis.
The move is expected to ease cash flow pressures for small traders who often operate on tight margins and daily revenues.
The Commissioner reiterated that the authority remains committed to expanding the tax base fairly and equitably.
He stressed the importance of bringing more businesses into the tax net while ensuring that the system remains just and supportive of economic growth.
“KRA is dedicated to fostering a collaborative relationship with taxpayers. Our goal is to create an environment where businesses can thrive while meeting their tax obligations,” Obell said.
One of the taxpayers, Tamaro Mogendi, lauded KRA for organising the feedback session, adding that such engagements would help to build trust and enhance compliance among the business community.
Mogendi, who is also the Kenya Private Schools Association Chair in Kisii, urged KRA to ensure that eTIMS incorporates all the school expenses that were not captured in the platform in 2025.
“I welcome the move to change the name of KRA to Kenya Revenue Services as it would change the taxpayers perception from an enforcement Authority to a customer-centered organization and boost voluntary tax compliance,” said Mogendi.
The engagement in Kisii, which brought together traders, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders, is part of a broader nationwide outreach programme by KRA aimed at strengthening trust, enhancing transparency and supporting regional economic development.
By deepening dialogue with taxpayers and introducing practical compliance solutions, the Authority seeks to strike a balance between revenue mobilization and creating a business-friendly environment, a move that could bolster growth among small enterprises in Kisii and across the country.
By Mercy Osongo and Alfred Misheba
