The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has launched a suite of new digital tools designed to allow taxpayers to settle their dues without ever stepping foot in a government office.
The tax man nited it is pivoting toward an “AI-first” approach to simplify compliance, as it seeks to meet an ambitious revenue target of Kshs 2.968 trillion for the 2025/26 Financial Year.
On Thursday, 22 January, Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga confirmed that a new 24-hour WhatsApp chatbot is now live, offering 15 different services.
This move follows the recent introduction of a USSD platform, ensuring that even those without smartphones can remain tax-compliant.
How to use the KRA WhatsApp Chatbot
For taxpayers with internet access, the WhatsApp service provides a step-by-step guide to filing returns on the iTax portal.
-
Save the number: Add the official KRA WhatsApp contact +254 711099999 to your phone book.
-
Start the chat: Open WhatsApp and send the word “Hi” or “Menu” to the number.
-
Verify identity: The bot will prompt you to verify your details for security purposes.
-
Select a service: You can then choose from 15 options, including PIN management, ETIMS invoicing, and tax return assistance.
“You can file returns via WhatsApp and through the web,” Mr Wattanga said. “Just ask a query via our 24-hour WhatsApp chatbot… where we have 15 services that can be served.”
Filing via USSD (No internet required)
Recognising that not everyone has a smartphone, the KRA has also rolled out a USSD service. This is particularly useful for small-scale traders and landlords and one can simply dial *222# on any mobile phone.
It is worht noting that this platform handles PIN registration, Monthly Rental Income (MRI), Turnover Tax (TOT), and applications for Tax Compliance Certificates.
The authority stated that the system was developed because “not every taxpayer has a smartphone, reliable internet, or even the digital expertise” to navigate complex online portals.
The ‘Digital Taxman’: AI and Data
These updates are part of a broader technological overhaul. Mr Wattanga revealed that the KRA is now investing heavily in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and data analytics to monitor tax management more effectively.
KRA Chairman Ndiriitu Muriithi added that modernising these IT systems is vital for “erasing paper-based processes” and lowering costs for the average Kenyan.
The digital push appears to be paying dividends. In the second half of the 2025/26 fiscal year, which concluded in December 2025, the KRA collected Sh307.6 billion against a target of Sh285 billion. This represents a performance rate of 108 percent.
Furthermore, Customs and Border Control reported Sh85.9 billion, the highest monthly collection in the authority’s history.
With a required growth of 15.4 percent over the previous year’s collections, the KRA remains optimistic that these simplified digital tools will help it bridge the gap and reach its nearly 3 trillion shilling goal.