The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the private sector to eliminate operational bottlenecks and promote a predictable business environment.
Speaking during the inaugural joint roundtable between KRA, the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), and the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), Commissioner for Shared Services Ms. Nancy Ngetich emphasized the Authority’s dedication to continuous engagement with taxpayers. She noted that KRA remains focused on simplifying processes and enhancing service delivery to support business growth, compliance, and overall economic competitiveness.
The Commissioner for Micro and Small Taxpayers, Mr. George Obell, highlighted KRA’s ongoing automation initiatives aimed at aligning tax administration with global best practices. He announced significant progress in tax refund processing following the enhancement of funding from Sh2.5 billion to Sh2.96 billion per month effective July 2025. As a result, businesses can now access a maximum refund of Sh40 million per month, up from the previous Sh30 million, marking a major milestone in resolving longstanding refund delays.
To further streamline operations, Acting Commissioner for Business Strategy, Technology and Enterprise Modernization (BSTEM), Mr. Alex Mwangi, revealed ongoing efforts to integrate the Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS) with the iTax platform. The integration will enhance verification of imports, exports, and inputs during refund processing while improving the overall accuracy and reliability of data across systems. Mwangi added that KRA is implementing targeted system upgrades to boost operational performance and strengthen service delivery for businesses of all sizes.
Acting Commissioner for Large and Medium Taxpayers (LMT), Ms. Doreen Mbingi, underscored KRA’s efforts in promoting the electronic Tax Invoice Management System (eTIMS) through hybrid outreach channels, including weekly online engagements and monthly nationwide forums. She noted that full implementation of eTIMS, combined with prepopulated tax returns, will accelerate refund processing by ensuring transactions undergo automatic system validation, replacing the current practice of manual cross-checking across standalone systems such as iTax and iCMS.
Representatives from KEPSA and KAM commended KRA for facilitating structured dialogue that supports a balanced regulatory environment—one that advances national revenue goals while safeguarding private sector growth. They also praised ongoing customs automation and expedited cargo scanning at the port, which have improved efficiency for importers and exporters.
KRA reaffirmed that such engagements will continue as part of its commitment to transparency, accountability, and fostering a tax environment that supports Kenya’s economic development.
by Joseph Ng’ang’a
