Invoicing guide
How to invoice in Kenya
What a valid invoice needs in Kenya, how VAT works, and what is changing. Checked 22 September 2026.
Rules in Kenya changed recently and published guidance is not fully settled. Treat this as a starting point and confirm with Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) or an adviser.
| Tax | VAT |
|---|---|
| Rate | 16% standard |
| Registration | Register once taxable turnover reaches KES 5 million in 12 months. |
| Currency | KES |
| E-invoicing | eTIMS is mandatory for VAT-registered businesses and, since 2024, for other people in business too. Business costs without an eTIMS invoice are not tax-deductible for your customer. |
| Tax authority | Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) |
What a valid invoice must include
- An invoice generated through KRA eTIMS (with its control number and QR code)
- Your business name, KRA PIN and address
- Buyer's KRA PIN (they need it to claim the cost)
- Invoice number, date and time
- Description and quantity
- Value excluding VAT, VAT rate and amount, and the total
Good to know
Because customers need eTIMS invoices to claim costs, keep your eTIMS invoice number on the invoice you send, alongside your payment link.
Invoicing Kenya clients from abroad
If you are not based in Kenya, the rules of your own country usually decide what goes on the invoice. Business-to-business services supplied across borders are often outside the scope of local tax or fall under reverse charge. Invoice in KES if your client prefers it, so they pay the exact amount.
How Pigee Invoice helps
- Invoices in KES and 50+ other currencies
- Tax treatment suggested from your country and your client's, including reverse charge
- Sequential, month-based invoice numbers such as INV-OCT-001
- A pay page with card payment and your bank details
This guide is general information, not tax advice. Tax rules change; check with Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) before relying on it.
Questions people ask
What is the VAT rate in Kenya?
16% standard.
When do I have to register for VAT in Kenya?
Register once taxable turnover reaches KES 5 million in 12 months.
Is e-invoicing mandatory in Kenya?
eTIMS is mandatory for VAT-registered businesses and, since 2024, for other people in business too. Business costs without an eTIMS invoice are not tax-deductible for your customer.
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