What happened

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) announced on Monday that it will hold a series of tax amnesty training sessions across the country. The sessions are designed to walk individual taxpayers, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and larger firms through the steps required to enrol in the ongoing amnesty, settle outstanding tax balances and benefit from reduced penalties. According to the People Daily report, the programme will be rolled out in major towns and regional centres over the next six weeks, with each workshop lasting roughly two hours. KRA officials say the initiative is part of a broader effort to improve voluntary compliance and to recover revenue that has been lost due to delayed filings.

Context and background

The tax amnesty programme was first introduced by the Kenyan government in early 2023 as a response to the fiscal shortfall caused by the COVID‑19 pandemic and subsequent economic slowdown. Under the amnesty, taxpayers who have not filed returns or who owe back taxes can regularise their position by paying the principal amount plus a reduced penalty, typically ranging from 5 % to 25 % of the original liability, instead of the full statutory surcharge. The government has used similar amnesties in the past, notably in 2019, to boost revenue collection ahead of the national budget cycle.

KRA’s decision to add training sessions follows criticism that many taxpayers, especially those in the informal sector, struggle to understand the procedural requirements of the amnesty. In previous rounds, the authority recorded a high number of incomplete applications and a backlog of enquiries at its help desks. By bringing the information directly to business owners and taxpayers in community halls, market centres and corporate offices, KRA hopes to reduce confusion, cut processing times and increase the total amount of tax recovered.

The training will be delivered by KRA officers from the Tax Compliance and Enforcement Division, supported by senior auditors and legal advisers. Participants will receive printed guides, a step‑by‑step checklist, and the opportunity to ask questions about documentation, payment channels and deadlines. While the exact dates and venues are being finalised, KRA has indicated that sessions will be held in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret and several county capitals, with some workshops offered virtually for those unable to travel.

Compared with what is normal

Historically, KRA has relied on media advertisements, radio jingles and newspaper notices to publicise tax amnesties. The 2023 amnesty, for example, was announced through a series of press releases and a nationwide billboard campaign, but no dedicated training component was provided. In contrast, the current approach adds a face‑to‑face educational layer that is uncommon in Kenyan tax administration.

• Previous amnesties: primarily advertised via mass media, with limited on‑ground outreach.
• Current rollout: includes in‑person workshops, virtual webinars, and printed manuals tailored to different taxpayer categories.
• Typical compliance gap: prior amnesties saw an estimated 30 % of applications rejected due to incomplete documentation; KRA aims to lower that figure by 10‑15 % through the training.

Why it matters

For SMEs, tax compliance is often a balancing act between limited cash flow and the risk of penalties. The training sessions give business owners a clearer picture of how much they owe, the exact reduction they can expect under the amnesty, and the safest way to make payments—whether through mobile money platforms, bank transfers or KRA’s own e‑tax portal. By reducing uncertainty, the workshops can help firms avoid costly errors such as double‑paying, filing under the wrong tax code, or missing the deadline, all of which could trigger additional fines. Moreover, clearing outstanding liabilities improves a company’s creditworthiness, making it easier to secure loans from banks that scrutinise tax compliance records.

From a macro perspective, higher participation in the amnesty can boost government revenue at a time when the budget deficit remains a concern. The additional funds can be redirected to critical public services such as health, education and infrastructure, which in turn benefits the broader economy. Finally, the initiative signals a shift toward a more collaborative relationship between the tax authority and taxpayers, encouraging a culture of voluntary compliance rather than punitive enforcement.

Practical steps

• 1. Register for the nearest training session through the KRA website or by calling the dedicated hotline (020‑222 5555). Early registration guarantees a seat, especially in larger towns where demand is high.
• 2. Gather all relevant tax documents before attending—this includes past tax returns, payment receipts, bank statements and any correspondence from KRA regarding outstanding balances.
• 3. During the workshop, take detailed notes on the required forms, payment methods and deadlines. Ask the facilitator to clarify any jargon or calculations you do not understand.
• 4. After the session, complete the amnesty application within the stipulated period (usually 30 days from the workshop date) and submit it via the e‑tax portal or at a KRA office.
• 5. Keep a copy of the submitted application and the payment receipt for future reference, and monitor your tax account online to confirm that the liability has been cleared.

Tax Planning & Compliance services at Beavoren Ventures can help you navigate the amnesty process, ensure accurate filing and optimise your tax position.

Need help with compliance? Email info@beavorenventures.co.ke or call +254 716 296 857.

Disclaimer: This article is informational and does not constitute formal tax, audit or legal advice. For guidance specific to your circumstances, please contact Beavoren Ventures.