Kenya KRA GavaConnect Hits 1,000 Developers: eTIMS and VAT API Integration Coming

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has achieved a significant milestone in its digital transformation journey, with over 1,000 developers now registered on its GavaConnect Enterprise API platform. The announcement, made during the second API Masterclass on August 13, 2025, underscores Kenya's pioneering position as the first African public sector institution to create a comprehensive tax API ecosystem for developer integration.

GavaConnect: Breaking New Ground in Government APIs

GavaConnect (developer.go.ke) represents a paradigm shift in how government institutions interact with the private sector. The platform currently offers 16 APIs covering essential tax compliance functions:

Taxpayer Verification Services: PIN checkers and Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC) validation tools enable businesses to verify counterpart compliance status in real-time.

Filing Automation: NIL Return filing APIs streamline periodic compliance for businesses with zero-rated periods, reducing administrative overhead.

Payment Verification: e-Slip checker APIs provide instant confirmation of tax payment status, supporting faster clearance processes.

Enhanced Business Integration: Direct integration capabilities allow ERP systems, accounting software, and fintech platforms to embed KRA services seamlessly into existing workflows.

Strategic Expansion: eTIMS and VAT Tools Integration

KRA's most significant announcement involves plans to integrate the Electronic Tax Invoice Management System (eTIMS) and enhanced VAT compliance tools into GavaConnect. This integration will fundamentally transform how businesses handle electronic invoicing and VAT reporting in Kenya.

eTIMS API Integration: The planned eTIMS API will enable software developers to build applications that automatically generate KRA-compliant electronic tax invoices. This addresses current challenges where businesses must use separate systems for invoicing and compliance reporting.

Real-Time VAT Reporting: Enhanced VAT APIs will support automatic VAT return preparation and submission, leveraging transaction data already captured through eTIMS integration.

Unified Compliance Platform: The integration creates a single API ecosystem where businesses can manage PIN verification, TCC checks, electronic invoicing, and VAT filing through one platform.

Business Impact and Industry Transformation

The 1,000 developer milestone reflects strong industry interest in tax-tech innovation and signals broader business transformation:

Financial Technology Sector: Fintech companies can now embed tax compliance features directly into their platforms, offering value-added services to business clients while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Enterprise Resource Planning: ERP providers can integrate KRA services natively, eliminating the need for businesses to manage separate tax compliance systems.

Small Business Support: API integration enables the development of simplified tax compliance tools specifically designed for SMEs, addressing one of Kenya's key tax base expansion challenges.

Automated Compliance: Real-time integration capabilities reduce manual processes and compliance errors, supporting KRA's broader digitization objectives.

Current eTIMS Mandate and API Implications

Kenya's eTIMS system already requires all businesses, including non-VAT registered entities, to issue electronic invoices. The current system, introduced following the Finance Act 2023, mandates:

• All VAT-registered taxpayers must use eTIMS for invoice generation

• Non-VAT registered businesses must onboard by specific deadlines

• Expenses without valid eTIMS invoices are not deductible for income tax purposes

• Real-time transmission of invoice data to KRA systems

The planned API integration will simplify these requirements by allowing businesses to generate compliant invoices through their existing software systems rather than using separate eTIMS interfaces.

Developer Community and Innovation Opportunities

Deputy Commissioner Annastacia Githuba emphasized that GavaConnect creates opportunities for developers to "build, innovate, and even monetize around our products". This approach represents a significant shift in public sector thinking, treating developers as partners rather than external service providers.

Monetization Opportunities: Developers can create commercial solutions that integrate KRA services, generating revenue while supporting tax compliance.

Innovation Catalyst: The platform enables creation of novel solutions addressing specific industry needs, from mobile-first applications for informal sector businesses to complex enterprise integrations.

Ecosystem Development: The growing developer community creates a sustainable ecosystem where improvements benefit all users while reducing KRA's direct development burden.

Implementation Timeline and Business Preparation

While specific timelines for eTIMS and VAT API integration haven't been announced, businesses should begin preparing for enhanced integration capabilities:

System Assessment: Companies should evaluate their current accounting and invoicing systems for API integration readiness.

Developer Partnerships: Businesses may benefit from early partnerships with GavaConnect developers to ensure smooth transition to integrated systems.

Process Optimization: The API ecosystem will enable more automated compliance processes, requiring businesses to redesign manual workflows.

Training Investment: Staff will need training on new integrated systems rather than separate compliance platforms.

Broader Digital Economy Implications

KRA's API-first approach aligns with Kenya's broader digital economy strategy and positions the country as a leader in government digitization. The initiative demonstrates how public institutions can drive private sector innovation while achieving their own efficiency objectives.

The success of GavaConnect may inspire similar approaches across other government agencies, potentially creating a comprehensive public sector API ecosystem that supports Kenya's digital transformation goals.mygov+1

As Kenya continues expanding its tax base and improving compliance rates, the integration of eTIMS and VAT tools into GavaConnect represents a critical step toward creating a seamless, developer-friendly tax ecosystem that benefits both government revenue collection and business operational efficiency.

Source: https://www.kra.go.ke/news-center/press-release/2248-kra-highlights-1000-developers-on-gavaconnect-during-api-masterclass