KRA Reaffirms Commitment To Private Sector Facilitation

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the private sector to eliminate operational bottlenecks and foster a more conducive and 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 and compliance.

Also speaking at the forum, 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 refund processing following the enhancement of funding from Ksh 2.5 billion to Ksh 2.96 billion per month effective July 2025. As a result, businesses can now access a maximum refund of Ksh 40 million per month, up from the previous Ksh 30 million, marking a major step toward resolving longstanding refund challenges.

To further streamline operations, Acting Commissioner for Business Strategy, Technology & Enterprise Modernization (BSTEM), Mr. Alex Mwangi, revealed that KRA is integrating the Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS) with the iTax platform. This integration will improve the verification of imports, exports, and other inputs during refund processing. He added that the Authority is implementing targeted system enhancements to boost operational performance and improve service delivery to businesses.

Acting Commissioner for Large and Medium Taxpayers (LMT), Ms. Doreen Mbingi, underscored the Authority’s efforts in promoting the electronic Tax Invoice Management System (eTIMS) through hybrid outreach channels, including weekly online engagements and monthly physical forums nationwide. She noted that the full implementation of eTIMS, combined with prepopulated tax returns, will significantly accelerate refund processing by ensuring that transactions undergo system validation, eliminating the current practice of manual cross-checking across stand-alone systems such as iTax and iCMS.

Representatives from KEPSA and KAM commended KRA for its consistency in facilitating structured dialogue platforms that enable a balanced approach to regulation, one that supports national revenue objectives while safeguarding private sector growth. The associations also praised KRA’s enhanced trade facilitation efforts, particularly at the port, where initiatives such as expedited cargo scanning and ongoing customs automation have resulted in improved efficiency for importers and exporters.

KRA reaffirmed that such engagements with private sector stakeholders will continue as part of its commitment to transparency, accountability, and building a tax environment that supports Kenya’s economic development.

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