KRA Waives Sh158 Billion in Penalties Under Nationwide Tax Amnesty
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced a significant milestone in its ongoing Tax Amnesty Programme, waiving penalties, interest, and fines amounting to Sh158 billion. The amnesty, launched in December 2024, has so far benefited over 2.9 million taxpayers across the country.
The Tax Amnesty Programme is part of the authority’s broader efforts to enhance tax compliance, reduce the burden of accumulated tax liabilities, and foster a culture of voluntary tax disclosure. Through this initiative, taxpayers are being offered an opportunity to settle outstanding tax obligations under more flexible and accommodating terms.
According to the KRA, the programme allows for the waiver of penalties, fines, and interest on tax liabilities accrued up to December 31, 2023. The principal tax, however, must be paid in full by June 30, 2025, for eligible taxpayers to benefit from the amnesty.
“Since the launch of the Tax Amnesty Programme, we have collected Sh10.9 billion in principal tax payments,” KRA stated. “This reflects the growing willingness among taxpayers to take advantage of the amnesty and regularise their tax affairs.”
The authority underscored that the programme’s design ensures fairness while promoting compliance. It provides automatic waivers for individuals and businesses that do not have outstanding principal taxes for the amnesty period but owe penalties or interest. Such taxpayers are not required to submit an application to benefit from the relief.
“The Tax Amnesty Programme offers taxpayers the chance to regularise their tax records by providing a waiver on penalties, interest, and fines for tax debts accrued up to 31 December 2023,” the KRA said in its latest statement.
However, those with unpaid principal tax for the relevant period are required to take additional steps. Taxpayers in this category must submit an application via the KRA’s iTax system and outline a structured payment plan. Full payment of the outstanding principal must be completed by June 30, 2025, for the waiver to be granted.
The authority has clarified that the programme applies strictly to tax liabilities arising on or before December 31, 2023. Any tax obligations incurred from January 1, 2024, onward—including associated penalties and interest—are not covered under the amnesty and remain fully payable.
In addition, the KRA is encouraging taxpayers with pending disputes to resolve them through the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism. The ADR process is intended to facilitate amicable and efficient resolution of disputes outside the traditional court system.
“Taxpayers with ongoing tax disputes are encouraged to resolve them through the ADR framework to ensure a swift resolution before the amnesty period ends,” the authority added.
The KRA has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with taxpayers throughout the amnesty period to provide support, guidance, and access to relevant information. It has urged all eligible individuals and businesses to take advantage of the programme before the deadline.
This amnesty marks a strategic step in KRA’s ongoing reforms aimed at improving revenue collection and fostering trust between the tax authority and the public. As the June 30, 2025, deadline approaches, the authority is expected to ramp up awareness campaigns to ensure maximum participation and compliance.
For more information or assistance, taxpayers are advised to visit the nearest KRA office or access the iTax platform.
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KRA Waives Sh158 Billion in Penalties Under Nationwide Tax Amnesty
