How to Register for ETIMS in Kenya – Simple Guide

Written By Maina Susan – Tax & Finance Writer
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Maina Susan is a Tax & Finance Writer at Quartet Solutions, simplifying tax regulations and financial concepts to help businesses stay compliant.

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Estimated read time: 4 minutes

If you run a business in Kenya, you’ve probably heard about eTIMS (Electronic Tax Invoice Management System)

 

But don’t worry – registering for ETIMS in Kenya is easier than it sounds. 

 

This guide by Quartet Consulting will  walk you through everything you need to know, step by step, as a complete beginner.

 

What is ETIMS in Kenya?

ETIMS is a system by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) that lets you generate, validate, and send electronic tax invoices in real-time.

 

Instead of using paper invoices or expensive hardware, ETIMS makes your invoicing easier, faster, and fully compliant.

 

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Why Register for ETIMS in Kenya?

Starting January 1, 2024, businesses cannot claim tax deductions for expenses if the supplier doesn’t provide an eTIMS-generated invoice.

 

That means, if you want your business expenses to be recognized by KRA, you must register for ETIMS.

 

In short: ETIMS is mandatory in Kenya to stay tax compliant and claim your deductions.

 

Who Needs to Register for ETIMS in Kenya?

If you are doing business in Kenya, ETIMS applies to you:

Type of Business / Person Notes for you
VAT-registered businesses
– You must use ETIMS for all your transactions.
Non-VAT businesses
– You still need ETIMS, even if you’re a small trader or previously exempt.
Service providers
– This includes consultants, lawyers, engineers, and agents.
Retailers and traders
– You as an SME or informal trader must register.
Rental income earners
– You must register if you earn monthly rental income (MRI).
Exempt businesses
– You still need ETIMS, even if you are a school, hospital, or NGO conducting business.

Bottom line: if you earn business income in Kenya, you must register for ETIMS.

 

How to Register for ETIMS in Kenya - Step - by - Step

Follow these simple steps:

 

1. Go to the ETIMS portal: https://etims.kra.go.ke

 

2. Click “Sign Up.”

 

ETIMS portal homepage for registering for ETIMS in Kenya

Screenshot 1: ETIMS Portal Homepage

 

3. Select “PIN” as your signup type.

 

Select PIN as signup type to register for ETIMS in Kenya

Screenshot 2: Select Signup Type

 

4. Enter your KRA PIN – personal or company – then click Verify.

 

Enter personal or company KRA PIN to register for ETIMS in Kenya

Screenshot 3:Enter KRA PIN

 

5. Enter your mobile number and email.Proceed to input a strong password.

 

Input mobile number, email, and create password to register for ETIMS in Kenya

Screenshot 4:– Contact Details & Password

 

6. Enter the OTP sent to your phone.

 

7. Consent to the data privacy statement and click Submit.

 

Consent to data privacy statement and submit registration for ETIMS in Kenya

Screenshot 5:– Consent & Submit

 

You’re signed up! Log in, access your dashboard, and start creating invoices.

 

Your dashboard should look like this!

 

Screenshot 6:–Dashboard View

 

FAQs About ETIMS in Kenya

1. Is it compulsory to register for ETIMS in Kenya?

 

Yes. If you are doing business in Kenya, you must register for ETIMS. Without an eTIMS invoice, your business cannot claim tax deductions from January 1, 2025.

 

2. How much does it cost to register for ETIMS in Kenya?

 

Registering for ETIMS is completely free, and you can set it up using your computer or mobile phone.

 

3. Can I use ETIMS on my phone?

 

Yes! You can access ETIMS on your mobile device, and some features are even available via *222#, making it easy for small business owners and traders.

 

Conclusion

Registering for ETIMS in Kenya is simple but mandatory if you want to stay compliant and claim your tax deductions. 

 

Follow these steps, and your business will be ready to issue electronic invoices in no time.

 

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Need help registering for ETIMS?

Are you a small SME owner or NGO wondering how to register for ETIMS in Kenya, Quartert Consulting can guide you step by step. 

 

Contact Us today or WhatsApp us on 0736 570 370 to book a free consultation today.

 

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