In a significant move to enhance tax compliance, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is set to launch a WhatsApp bot that will allow taxpayers to generate electronic tax invoices directly through the messaging platform.

This initiative aims to simplify the tax invoicing process, particularly for small traders and is expected to be rolled out by July 2025.

Hakamba Wangwe, KRA's Chief Manager for the Electronic Tax Invoice Management System (eTIMS) in the Domestic Taxes Department, revealed that the programme is in its testing phase.

He expressed optimism that the new tool will be instrumental in increasing voluntary tax compliance. "This will further boost voluntary tax compliance, especially among small traders," Wangwe stated.

This initiative is part of KRA's broader strategy to enhance the Electronic Tax Invoice Management System (e-TIMS) and combat tax evasion among Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

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Alarmingly, about 82 per cent of registered firms in the KRA register have yet to subscribe to eTIMS, a system that is essential for the deduction of business expenses related to corporate income tax.

 KRA hopes that by introducing this accessible and user-friendly WhatsApp feature, more businesses will be encouraged to adopt the system, ensuring a higher rate of tax compliance across the board.

As the rollout approaches, KRA anticipates that the bot will not only simplify tax procedures but also help bridge the gap between the authority and small traders, driving greater compliance and reducing the likelihood of tax evasion.