Kenya’s tax authority has directed ride-hailing firm Uber to ensure all drivers on its platform upload valid tax identification documents, in a move aimed at tightening compliance rules for gig economy workers.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) said drivers must submit a valid KRA PIN certificate through the Uber app by Jan. 30, 2026, warning that failure to comply could result in loss of access to the platform. Uber has instructed drivers to upload the certificate via Account > Documents > KRA PIN.
KRA estimates that more than 50,000 ride-hailing drivers in Kenya may be affected by the directive. Uber drivers are now expected to be fully registered with the tax authority, with income declarations and tax remittances aligned to their earnings. Drivers earning above the minimum tax threshold of KES 24,000 per month are required to file monthly returns under the current Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) or Turnover Tax regimes.
The move comes as the government continues to strengthen regulatory oversight of the digital economy. In addition to KRA compliance, Uber drivers must also meet National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) requirements, including valid driving licenses, vehicle inspection certificates, and registration of vehicles under public service rules. Non-compliance with NTSA rules can lead to license suspension, which would further prevent drivers from operating on the platform.
Analysts say the combined tax and regulatory requirements may have a modest short-term impact on driver earnings, particularly for part-time operators or drivers previously unregistered for taxes. Compliance costs, including accounting services, remittance of taxes, and potential fines, could reduce take-home pay by 5–15%, depending on income levels. However, authorities argue that formalization could provide drivers with long-term benefits such as legal protection, access to loans, and retirement contributions.
Ride-hailing services like Uber now play a critical role in Kenya’s urban transport system, offering flexible employment to thousands of drivers while expanding mobility options for urban residents. As digital platforms grow, government efforts to formalize income streams aim to broaden the tax base and support public spending, amid rising fiscal pressures in East Africa’s largest economy.