NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced a scheduled maintenance of the iTax system.
In a statement seen by news9.africa, KRA announced that the maintenance process on its iTax system will start from Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 6 pm and end on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 10 pm.
The duration of the maintenance will be 4 hours, and all users will be affected.
“Any inconvenience caused is highly regretted,” the statement reads in part.
news9.africa understands that the iTax platform is an online portal that enables taxpayers to file returns, pay taxes, and access tax-related services digitally.
It streamlines compliance by offering features like e-filing, e-payment, and real-time account tracking. Users can register, verify their details, and manage tax obligations such as PAYE, VAT, and corporate income tax.
The system enhances transparency, reduces processing time, and supports business efficiency. For optimal use, ensure a valid KRA PIN, an active mobile number, and internet connectivity.
Why did KRA alter its systems?
A significant change in tax enforcement occurred when KRA altered the way it examines income tax returns at the beginning of 2025.
The authority started verifying each amount stated in income tax forms against the current computerised data at the time of filing in January 2026.
Under the new method, KRA uses information from the Electronic Tax Invoice Management method (eTIMS), withholding tax records, and customs import data to cross-check claimed income and costs.
The checks are applicable when taxpayers use the iTax platform to file their income returns for the year 2025.
How did KRA work around returns?
According to tax advice firm KPMG, the modification significantly modifies Kenya’s structure for tax compliance.
In a recent tax notice, the company said, “The shift to eTIMS-based income and expense validation represents a fundamental shift in Kenya’s tax compliance landscape.”
“KRA is moving toward continuous, automated enforcement, with reduced tolerance for post-filing explanations, by anchoring tax outcomes to electronic transaction data,” KPMG continued.
In the past, taxpayers submitted yearly summary returns, which KRA subsequently examined through audits or enquiries.
Explanations could be made after filing, thanks to such a procedure.
With the new method, enforcement is moved to the transaction level, and validation takes place immediately upon submission of results.
Discussion about this post