The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced the integration of its Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS) with the iTax platform, a move aimed at enhancing verification of imports, exports, and other inputs during refund processing.
The integration, according to the taxman, is part of ongoing efforts to streamline operations and improve service delivery for businesses.
Speaking during the inaugural joint roundtable between KRA, the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), and the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), Acting Commissioner for Business Strategy, Technology & Enterprise Modernisation (BSTEM), Alex Mwangi, said the integration will reduce manual cross-checking across stand-alone systems and accelerate refunds.
The integration comes alongside other digital initiatives, including the full implementation of the electronic Tax Invoice Management System (eTIMS) and prepopulated tax returns.
Acting Commissioner for Large and Medium Taxpayers, Doreen Mbingi, stated that these measures will enable quicker validation of transactions and faster disbursement of refunds.
She added that the full rollout of eTIMS, along with prepopulated tax returns, will streamline refund processing by allowing system-based validation of transactions.
Additionally, this integration is set to eliminate the need for manual cross-checking across separate platforms like iTax and iCMS.
KRA has also increased monthly funding for refunds from Ksh2.5 billion to Ksh2.96 billion, effective July 2025.
Additionally, the maximum refund accessible per business has risen to Ksh40 million, up from Ksh30 million, marking a significant boost for enterprises facing long-standing refund delays.
Meanwhile, the taxman said that automation is key to aligning tax administration with global best practices and supporting business growth.
The reforms also extend to trade facilitation, particularly at the port, where initiatives such as expedited cargo scanning and customs automation have improved efficiency for importers and exporters.
During the event, representatives from KEPSA and KAM praised KRA for consistent engagement with the private sector and for addressing operational bottlenecks.
With these measures, the taxman expects to reduce processing times, improve compliance, and create a more predictable business environment.
