The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has officially announced the rollout of the eTIMS system for petrol stations, a move expected to revolutionize how fuel retailers issue tax invoices in real time.
In a statement released on June 27, 2025, KRA urged all fuel station owners in Kenya to implement the system before the mandatory compliance deadline of June 30, 2025.
Table of Contents
- 1 🔍 What Is eTIMS?
- 2 ⚠️ eTIMS for Petrol Stations: What’s Changing?
- 3 📅 Deadline for Compliance: June 30, 2025
- 4 🛠️ How to Register for eTIMS System in Kenya (Step-by-Step)
- 5 🔄 eTIMS Integration Options for Petrol Stations
- 6 📞 Where to Get Help or Support
- 7 ✅ Benefits of Using eTIMS for Petrol Stations
- 8 ❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 9 📌 Conclusion: Prepare for eTIMS Before the Deadline
🔍 What Is eTIMS?
eTIMS, short for Electronic Tax Invoice Management System, is a digital tax invoicing platform developed by KRA. It enables businesses to issue tax invoices in real time and submit them directly to KRA for transparency, compliance, and easier monitoring.
The eTIMS platform can be accessed on:
- Smartphones
- Laptops
- Tablets
- Desktop computers
- PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants)
The system is designed to help both small and large businesses with seamless invoicing and tax reporting in Kenya.
See KRA’s official eTIMS overview here.
⚠️ eTIMS for Petrol Stations: What’s Changing?
KRA is now specifically targeting fuel and petroleum dealers under its latest eTIMS compliance enforcement. The new system will allow:
- Real-time tax invoicing at the point of sale
- Integration with KRA’s servers via a forecourt controller and the petrol station’s point-of-sale (POS) system
- Live transaction monitoring by KRA
This version of the system is being referred to as the eTIMS Fuel Station System, tailored to meet the unique needs of gasoline retailers.
📅 Deadline for Compliance: June 30, 2025
According to KRA, all petroleum retailers in Kenya must install and activate the eTIMS system by June 30, 2025.
Failure to comply with this directive could lead to penalties or possible disruption of business operations. KRA encourages businesses with the technical capability to integrate the eTIMS solution independently, while others can work with licensed fuel station system integrators.
Find licensed integrators here.
🛠️ How to Register for eTIMS System in Kenya (Step-by-Step)
If you’re a petrol station owner or operator, here’s a quick guide on how to register for the eTIMS system through KRA’s portal:
Step-by-Step eTIMS Registration Process:
- Open your browser and go to etims.kra.go.ke
- Click Sign-Up
- Select PIN, enter your KRA PIN, and click Verify
- Create a password that includes letters, numbers, and symbols
- Click Send OTP to receive a verification code
- Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number
- Review and accept the Data Privacy Statement
- Click Sign Up to complete registration
- Log in using your PIN and new password
- Navigate to Service Requests > Add your Director’s KRA PIN
- Verify using another OTP
- Select your eTIMS type (eClient, Online, OSCU, or VSCU)
- Submit your application and wait for SMS confirmation
🔄 eTIMS Integration Options for Petrol Stations
KRA offers system-to-system integration for businesses with custom invoicing or ERP platforms.
There are two integration models:
1. Virtual Sales Control Unit (VSCU)
- Suitable for bulk invoicing
- Doesn’t require constant internet
- Allows connection between your ERP and KRA’s eTIMS
2. Online Sales Control Unit (OSCU)
- Designed for always-online invoicing environments
- Integrates POS systems directly with KRA
- Recommended for busy petrol stations with constant transactions
📞 Where to Get Help or Support
If you’re a petrol dealer with questions or need technical support, KRA has provided several ways to reach them:
- 📞 Tel: (020) 4 999 999 or 0711 099 999
- 📧 Email: callcentre@kra.go.ke
- 🌐 Visit: www.kra.go.ke
KRA also encourages fuel station owners to collaborate with certified fuel solution providers to ensure smooth onboarding.
✅ Benefits of Using eTIMS for Petrol Stations
Implementing the eTIMS system for petrol stations comes with several advantages:
- Real-time data synchronization with KRA
- Easier tax reporting and audits
- Reduced chances of non-compliance
- Fewer manual errors during invoicing
- Improved transparency for customers and regulators
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the deadline to install eTIMS for petrol stations in Kenya?
June 30, 2025.
Can I register for eTIMS online?
Yes. Go to etims.kra.go.ke and follow the sign-up steps.
Is the eTIMS system mandatory for all petrol stations?
Yes. Compliance is required by law, and failure to install may lead to penalties.
Can I integrate my own ERP system with eTIMS?
Yes, using VSCU or OSCU models. If unsure, consult KRA’s licensed integrators.
Does eTIMS support bulk invoicing?
Yes, especially through the Virtual Sales Control Unit (VSCU) model.
📌 Conclusion: Prepare for eTIMS Before the Deadline
The eTIMS system for petrol stations is a game-changer for tax compliance in Kenya. With the June 30, 2025 deadline fast approaching, fuel station owners should act fast to register, integrate, and comply with KRA’s requirements.
Whether you choose to integrate independently or with an approved vendor, compliance with eTIMS ensures you’re aligned with KRA’s efforts toward a fully digitized tax ecosystem.
