NAIROBI, Kenya, April 1 – Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has rolled out a new WhatsApp-based platform that will allow Kenyans to file their tax returns more easily.
The platform simplifies the filing process, reducing the steps from eight to just three, in a move aimed at improving compliance and user experience.
“The introduction of the WhatsApp Filing Solution leverages the widely used messaging platform to support taxpayers in filing their annual returns and provides real-time assistance,” said Humphrey Wattanga.
KRA said the system will also offer instant support to users facing challenges during the filing process, helping ease congestion and encourage timely submissions.
The rollout is part of a broader push to digitize tax services, with new enhancements targeting individuals with employment income. These include pre-filled returns that incorporate employer PAYE data such as gross pay, taxable income, and statutory deductions including the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and Affordable Housing Levy (AHL).
Employers will also benefit from a simplified PAYE return system designed to improve accuracy in capturing exemptions and reliefs.
For taxpayers with additional income streams, the system provides pre-filled annual returns covering basic details and withholding taxes.
KRA has also introduced an upgraded taxpayer dashboard offering improved visibility of transactions, including invoices, imports, and exports, alongside greater flexibility in claiming allowable business expenses.
