Nairobi, Kenya — Panic and frustration have gripped Kenyan taxpayers after the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) began sending mass text messages informing recipients of pending tax debts, just days before the June 30 deadline for filing 2024 tax returns.
The flurry of messages, which started mid-June, has left many Kenyans questioning the accuracy of the claims, particularly salaried employees who insist their Pay As You Earn (PAYE) taxes were already deducted by their employers.
A widely circulated message from KRA reads:
“You have principal tax due as of 31.12.2023. Kindly clear by 30.06.2025 for 100% waiver of penalty & interest. Call 0711099999. T&Cs apply.”
Some taxpayers also reported receiving follow-up texts specifying the alleged amounts due. One such message read:
“Our records indicate that you owe principal tax of KSh 5,434.35 as at 31/12/2023. Please settle by 30/06/2025 to enjoy 100% waiver on penalties & interest.”
The messages sparked an uproar on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), with users questioning the legitimacy of the claims and pointing to what they suspect are system errors at KRA headquarters, Times Tower.
“How do I owe KRA KSh 59,000 yet I file my returns religiously?” one user posted.
Others cited prolonged unemployment periods or consistent filing of nil returns, expressing disbelief at the arbitrary figures quoted.
Accountants have attributed the confusion to possible reconciliation errors, where employers remit PAYE taxes in bulk, but payments are not properly matched to individual taxpayer accounts. Affected individuals have been advised to visit their tax managers with signed and stamped P9 forms to resolve the discrepancies.
Still, many Kenyans feel burdened by the suggestion, arguing that the responsibility to ensure system accuracy lies with KRA.
“Why file when KRA already has all the records? They should automate the system,” remarked another frustrated taxpayer.
Some who physically visited KRA offices reported being told that the tax amounts arose from incorrect filing and the accumulation of penalties and interest over several years.
KRA Responds and Announces System Overhaul
In response to the backlash, KRA encouraged affected taxpayers to seek redress through its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process, but clarified that participation in ADR does not exempt individuals from paying the principal tax or enjoying the amnesty on penalties and interest.
Acknowledging growing criticism over its complex digital systems, KRA announced a simplified PAYE return filing and payment process, set to roll out on July 1, 2025. The revamped system aims to improve user experience and integrates with platforms like IFMIS, the government HR system, and the Central Bank of Kenya.
The new approach also streamlines the filing of other statutory deductions, including the Affordable Housing Levy and NITA contributions.
Employers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new system by accessing the simplified Excel PAYE return and sample CSV templates on the KRA website.
Extended Working Hours as Deadline Looms
With the June 30 tax amnesty deadline fast approaching, KRA has extended working hours at its service centres across the country.
Tax offices will operate from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday, while services will run from 7:00 am to midnight on Monday, June 30, to accommodate the anticipated last-minute rush.
Despite these measures, uncertainty remains over what lies ahead for those who fail to resolve their tax status in time—and whether the new system will finally restore public confidence in KRA’s operations
By Were Kelly
