The service was unveiled on Thursday, January 22, with KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga confirming that the chatbot operates round the clock and provides access to at least 15 essential services.
To use the service, taxpayers are required to save KRA’s official WhatsApp number, +254 711 099 999, and initiate a conversation by sending “Hi” or “Menu.”
Once connected, users are prompted to verify their identity before receiving a list of services available on the platform.
Among the services accessible through the chatbot are PIN registration and updates, tax information and inquiries, eTIMS invoicing support, tax return assistance, and various digital self-service options.
For taxpayers filing returns, the chatbot provides step-by-step guidance on how to complete the process via KRA’s iTax portal.
Among the services accessible through the chatbot are PIN registration and updates, tax information and inquiries, eTIMS invoicing support, tax return assistance, and various digital self-service options.
For taxpayers filing returns, the chatbot provides step-by-step guidance on how to complete the process via KRA’s iTax portal.
It also outlines the documentation and requirements needed, helping users navigate the process more efficiently.
“You can file returns via WhatsApp and through the web. Just ask a query through our 24-hour WhatsApp chatbot, where we currently offer 15 services,” Wattanga said.
He added that KRA is implementing a second phase of technological upgrades aimed at strengthening the use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics to improve tax administration and compliance.
KRA Chairperson Ndindi Muriithi noted that modernising the authority’s information technology systems is critical in enhancing efficiency, boosting revenue collection, and eliminating reliance on paper-based processes.
“KRA remains optimistic about achieving the revenue target for the 2025/26 Financial Year, which stands at Ksh2.968 trillion. This represents a growth of 15.4 per cent compared to the Ksh2.572 trillion collected in the 2024/25 Financial Year,” Muriithi stated.
The introduction of the WhatsApp chatbot comes barely two weeks after KRA launched a USSD service designed to serve taxpayers using basic mobile phones. The service, accessed by dialling *222#, allows users to obtain key tax services without internet access.
Services available on the USSD platform include PIN registration, Turnover Tax (TOT), Monthly Rental Income (MRI), eTIMS, tax payments, Tax Compliance Certificates, customs services, and other tax return options.
KRA explained that the move was informed by persistent concerns about digital access, acknowledging that not all taxpayers own smartphones, have reliable internet connections, or possess the technical skills required to use platforms such as iTax or eTIMS.
Through the combined use of WhatsApp and USSD services, KRA aims to make tax compliance more accessible, convenient, and inclusive for all Kenyans.
“You can file returns via WhatsApp and through the web. Just ask a query through our 24-hour WhatsApp chatbot, where we currently offer 15 services,” Wattanga said.
He added that KRA is implementing a second phase of technological upgrades aimed at strengthening the use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics to improve tax administration and compliance.
KRA Chairperson Ndindi Muriithi noted that modernising the authority’s information technology systems is critical in enhancing efficiency, boosting revenue collection, and eliminating reliance on paper-based processes.
“KRA remains optimistic about achieving the revenue target for the 2025/26 Financial Year, which stands at Ksh2.968 trillion. This represents a growth of 15.4 per cent compared to the Ksh2.572 trillion collected in the 2024/25 Financial Year,” Muriithi stated.
The introduction of the WhatsApp chatbot comes barely two weeks after KRA launched a USSD service designed to serve taxpayers using basic mobile phones. The service, accessed by dialling *222#, allows users to obtain key tax services without internet access.
Services available on the USSD platform include PIN registration, Turnover Tax (TOT), Monthly Rental Income (MRI), eTIMS, tax payments, Tax Compliance Certificates, customs services, and other tax return options.
KRA explained that the move was informed by persistent concerns about digital access, acknowledging that not all taxpayers own smartphones, have reliable internet connections, or possess the technical skills required to use platforms such as iTax or eTIMS.
Through the combined use of WhatsApp and USSD services, KRA aims to make tax compliance more accessible, convenient, and inclusive for all Kenyans.