The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is set to introduce an online chatbot aimed at assisting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with vital tax-related information, in a move designed to boost voluntary tax compliance and simplify tax processes for small businesses.
Speaking during an MSME stakeholder roundtable in Nairobi, George Obell, Commissioner of the Micro and Small Taxpayers Department, noted that the chatbot will offer timely responses to frequently asked questions from MSME taxpayers, complementing KRA’s ongoing nationwide taxpayer sensitisation programme.
“This chatbot will answer the many questions that these MSME taxpayers may have regarding tax compliance and will complement the taxpayer sensitisation programme that KRA is currently implementing countrywide,” said Obell. He added that KRA is committed to building a simplified system for registration, filing, and payment of taxes to encourage voluntary compliance within the sector.
KRA acting commissioner, micro and small taxpayers department, George Obell, speaking during a round table in Nairobi on June 5, 2025. PHOTO/COURTESY: KRA
The initiative is part of KRA’s broader plan to enhance the MSME sector’s contribution to national revenue by easing their tax compliance burden and recognising their critical role in Kenya’s economic development.
James Mureu, Chairman of the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), welcomed the development, commending KRA for establishing a dedicated department for small taxpayers. “We see KRA as a strategic partner and enabler we can bank on in our journey towards supporting MSMEs,” Mureu said. He emphasised the need for continuous dialogue and collaborative policy-making to unlock the full potential of MSMEs.
Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) Chairman, James Mureu, speaking during an MSME roundtable in Nairobi on June 5, 2025. PHOTO/COURTESY:KRA
The roundtable brought together key stakeholders to discuss challenges facing MSMEs and propose solutions to enhance tax compliance. Participants urged KRA to go beyond enforcement and actively support the growth of small enterprises through innovative, business-friendly initiatives.
KRA concluded the session by reaffirming its commitment to ongoing engagement with MSMEs and other stakeholders through similar forums aimed at co-creating solutions that foster ease of doing business and equitable taxation.
Written By Rodney Mbua
