KRA to Use Online Chatbot to Provide Tax Information

KRA is set to roll out an online chatbot that will support micro, medium and small enterprises (MSMEs) seeking tax information and services. Speaking during an MSME roundtable held in Nairobi, KRA acting Commissioner, Micro and Small Taxpayers Department, Mr George Obell, said that this is among various initiatives KRA is introducing to enhance customer service and tax knowledge.

Mr Obell said the chatbot will assist in answering the many queries that micro and small taxpayers may have regarding tax compliance. This will complement the taxpayer sensitisation programme that KRA is implementing countrywide.

Mr. Obell added that the KRA is cognisant of the vital role that MSMEs play in driving economic growth, adding that the authority is focused on simplifying tax processes for MSMEs that will increase their contribution to overall revenue collection.

“KRA is already building a tax system that will simplify registration, filing, and payment of taxation by MSMEs. We are committed to facilitating MSMEs to voluntarily meet their tax obligations while creating an equitable tax system for all taxpayers,” said Mr. Obell.

> Standard Group Loss Remains Above KES 1 Billion

In his remarks during the roundtable, Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) Chairman, Mr James Mureu, lauded KRA for setting up the Micro and Small Taxpayers Department, saying it has given MSMEs in Kenya a stronger sense of recognition and affirms the value of MSMEs within the national tax framework.

“We see KRA as a strategic partner and enabler we can bank on in our journey towards supporting MSMEs. We need to have frank dialogue and continued collaboration to design policies that unlock the potential of emerging enterprises to contribute to Kenya’s economic prosperity,”said the MSEA Chairman.

The roundtable included a panel discussion that focused on the issues that need to be addressed in order to improve tax compliance among MSMEs. The discussion concluded with a call to KRA to move beyond enforcement and actively support the growth of MSMEs in the country.

KRA continues to engage stakeholders through roundtables. Through such platforms, the Authority engages MSMEs to understand the unique challenges they face to co-create solutions that promote ease of doing business and voluntary compliance.