KRA Schedules 20-Hour eTIMS and TIMS Maintenance, Advises Taxpayers to Plan Ahead

KRA Headquaters in Times Towers

The Kenya Revenue Authority has announced a planned maintenance exercise affecting its electronic tax invoice platforms. The temporary interruption will prevent taxpayers and businesses from accessing essential invoice processing services.

The authority advised users to complete urgent tax activities before the scheduled maintenance begins. Officials explained that the exercise will help improve system performance and enhance future service delivery.

KRA confirmed that the maintenance will start at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22. The work will continue until 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, lasting a total of 20 hours.

During this period, users will not access both eTIMS and TIMS services. Businesses should therefore organize their transactions early to avoid unnecessary delays and disruptions.

The authority also reminded taxpayers to prepare in advance before the platforms become unavailable. KRA stated that both systems would remain inaccessible throughout the planned maintenance period.

Understanding eTIMS and TIMS

The Electronic Tax Invoice Management System and Tax Invoice Management System support electronic invoice generation and reporting. These platforms enable businesses to submit compliant tax invoices directly to the revenue authority.

Many VAT-registered businesses across Kenya depend on these systems every day. They simplify tax compliance by allowing invoices to reach KRA through a secure digital process.

The digital platforms also support government efforts to improve tax collection across different sectors. Real-time invoice reporting helps reduce tax fraud while strengthening compliance among registered taxpayers.

Who Will Experience the Service Interruption?

The maintenance will affect businesses and taxpayers using either eTIMS or TIMS for daily operations. Companies issuing electronic tax invoices should expect temporary interruptions until the maintenance exercise ends.

Service providers handling tax invoices through these platforms should also prepare for the downtime. Any pending transactions should either finish beforehand or wait until KRA restores normal services.

Businesses relying on electronic invoicing should inform relevant staff about the scheduled interruption. Early planning can reduce operational challenges during the maintenance period.

Steps Taxpayers Should Take

KRA encouraged taxpayers to complete important invoice processing before the scheduled maintenance starts. Taking early action can help businesses avoid delays in meeting their tax obligations.

Users should also monitor official KRA communication channels for any new announcements. The authority may provide updates regarding the maintenance progress or restoration of services.

Businesses should keep supporting records safely until the systems become available again. Proper preparation can help maintain smooth operations after the maintenance concludes.

KRA Expands Digital Tax and Customs Services

The maintenance comes as KRA continues strengthening its digital tax administration systems nationwide. The authority has introduced several technology-based solutions aimed at improving service efficiency and revenue collection.

Among the latest initiatives is the Advance Cargo Declaration platform for containerised imports. The new digital system will officially become operational on August 3, 2026.

What the New Advance Cargo Declaration Platform Means

The Advance Cargo Declaration platform will manage cargo information before shipments arrive at Kenyan ports. Exporters must first obtain a declaration reference code before loading containerised cargo destined for Kenya.

Applicants will generate the reference code after uploading required shipping documents through the online platform. These documents include a Draft Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Freight Invoice, and Export Declaration.

After receiving the reference code, exporters must include it on the Bill of Lading. This requirement allows authorities to receive shipment information before vessels depart for Kenya.

KRA expects the new platform to strengthen cargo monitoring and improve customs clearance processes. The authority also believes the system will support better revenue collection through improved shipment tracking.

Importers, exporters, clearing agents, and other stakeholders should understand the new requirements before implementation begins. KRA encouraged affected users to seek guidance through its official support channels whenever necessary.