KRA Announce Plans to Hire 10,000 Agents Across the Country

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has unveiled a plan to roll out tax service agents across the country in an effort to expand access and ease compliance for millions of taxpayers.

The agents, who will operate in a similar model to banking and telecommunications agents, will be tasked with providing essential services that many Kenyans currently access through cybercafes or Huduma Centres at a cost. These services include registration as taxpayers, filing of returns, and making tax payments directly to the Authority.

Speaking at a town hall meeting in Mombasa on Wednesday, the acting Commissioner for Micro and Small Taxpayers, George Obell, said the Authority is preparing to enlist the first 10,000 agents within the year. “We plan to recruit the first 10,000 agents this year. These agents will provide basic services such as registration, tax filing, and payments. This is also an opportunity for Kenyans to earn commissions while helping fellow citizens meet their tax obligations,” Obell said.

The introduction of the agency network is part of KRA’s broader strategy to simplify tax processes and reduce the hurdles faced by taxpayers, particularly those in areas with limited access to physical service points. At present, KRA operates 136 service centres across the country, most of which are concentrated in urban areas. Yet with an estimated 22 million taxpayers, the Authority acknowledges the need for broader coverage and easier access to services.

By decentralising tax services, KRA aims not only to make compliance more convenient but also to encourage more Kenyans to engage with the tax system. For many, the new system could eliminate costs and time spent traveling to service centres or relying on cyber operators.

The agent model has already proved effective in other sectors of the economy, where it has expanded financial and communication services to the grassroots. KRA expects a similar outcome in taxation, with agents serving as a vital link between the Authority and citizens across all regions.

The recruitment of agents is expected to begin later this year, with training and support structures to be provided by KRA to ensure efficiency and reliability in service delivery.