Connect with us

Business

Kenya Deploys WhatsApp for Tax Filing

lamaqgodoz

Published

on

B1a67d9315a05ed2f49326ef6bdc0fd5

Phathisani Moyo

Kenya has launched a WhatsApp-based tax filing platform to simplifying compliance and onboard millions of new taxpayers into the system.

The initiative, introduced by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), allows users to file their tax returns through a chatbot on WhatsApp, cutting the process from eight steps to just three.

KRA Commissioner-General, Humphrey Wattanga, described the platform as a “game-changer” designed to meet taxpayers on familiar digital platforms while improving ease of use.

KRA commissioner general Humphrey Wattanga (centre) has described the new WhatsApp-based tax filing platform as a game-changer in simplifying compliance and expanding Kenya’s tax base

KRA commissioner general Humphrey Wattanga (centre) has described the new WhatsApp-based tax filing platform as a game-changer in simplifying compliance and expanding Kenya’s tax base

According to him, the system is expected to drive compliance, particularly among young people and those operating in the informal sector.

The chatbot functions like a guided conversation. Users initiate a chat with a verified KRA number, select the type of return they want to file, and verify their identity using their KRA PIN. Once authenticated, the system automatically retrieves pre-filled tax data, including income and statutory deductions.

Taxpayers are then prompted to review, confirm or edit the information before submission, reducing the need for repetitive data entry. The platform also provides real-time responses to user inquiries, eliminating the need for physical visits or call centre support.

Officials say the innovation addresses one of the key barriers to tax compliance — complexity. With the new system, users no longer need advanced knowledge to complete their filings.

Kenya’s tax system currently faces a significant compliance gap. While over 22 million taxpayers are registered, only about 7 million actively file returns.

The government is betting that integrating tax services into widely used digital platforms will encourage more participation and improve revenue generation.

The move reflects a broader trend across Africa, where countries are increasingly adopting digital tools to modernise tax administration.

In Nigeria, the Federal Inland Revenue Service has also rolled out digital platforms to enhance tax collection, while South Africa and Rwanda continue to expand their e-filing and mobile-based systems.

With the new WhatsApp platform, Kenya positions itself among African countries leveraging technology to deepen tax compliance and streamline public service delivery.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Business

Satellite Data Powers New Era of Insurance Expansion in Nigeria

info

Published

on

By

73fa93c0 1bd0 4955 879f 3b6febbe8dc1.jpeg

L-R Dr Usman Jankara (Deputy Commissioner Technical; National Insurance Commission), Dr Mathew Olumide Adepoju (Director General NASRDA), Mr Olusegun Ayo Omosehin (Commissioner for Insurance National Insurance Commission) and Mr Ekerete Ola Gam-Ikon (Deputy Commissioner Finance and Administration National Insurance Commission)

BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—Nigeria’s insurance industry is set for a Satellite Data Powers New Era of Insurance Expansion in Nigeria transformation as the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) move to harness satellite and geospatial technology to deepen market penetration, strengthen enforcement, and modernize risk management nationwide.

At a high-level meeting between both institutions, leaders agreed on a strategic partnership that will deploy space-based intelligence to unlock new insurance opportunities, improve compliance, and support broader economic resilience. The initiative signals a shift toward data-driven regulation and innovation in Nigeria’s insurance ecosystem.

Director General of NASRDA, explained that the partnership would harness NASRDA’s geospatial and satellite capabilities to generate accurate, evidence‑based datasets. According to him, these datasets will underpin modern insurance products, strengthen regulatory enforcement, and unlock economic value at both federal and sub‑national levels. He further highlighted the importance of insurance in safeguarding high‑value national assets, citing a previous insured satellite replacement as a practical demonstration of insurance effectiveness in managing sovereign risk.

On his part, Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of NAICOM, emphasized that the initiative aligns strongly with NAICOM’s strategic transformation agenda and its commitment to swift, results‑oriented reforms. He noted the opportunity to deploy geospatial intelligence to identify public buildings and other insurable assets for compulsory coverage, as well as to support the development of a robust national catastrophic risk insurance framework.

NAICOM reaffirmed its core regulatory pillars—policyholder protection, regulatory capacity enhancement, legal and regulatory modernization, financial soundness through recapitalization, and innovation and sustainability—underscoring that the partnership directly advances its innovation and access objectives.

Under the partnership framework, both agencies will collaborate on the development of a national catastrophic insurance framework, high‑resolution property mapping and the creation of a national property database, enhanced enforcement of compulsory insurance for public buildings, and the advancement of insurance penetration through innovation and sustainability initiatives.

The post Satellite Data Powers New Era of Insurance Expansion in Nigeria appeared first on Business Today NG.

Continue Reading

Business

“I’m Not a Bank” — Achimugu Dismisses $13 Million Claim, Says Only $50,000 and N13m Found in Home Raid

info

Published

on

By

GnHpm2mXoAA89lH.jpeg

Entrepreneur and social figure Aisha Achimugu has refuted reports claiming that $13 million was seized from her home, maintaining that only $50,000 and N13 million were discovered during a search of her property.

She addressed the issue on Monday during an appearance on Politics Today, a show aired on Channels Television. According to her, the widely reported figure of $13 million is incorrect and creates a false impression.

It can be recalled that the EFCC had previously listed Achimugu as wanted. The agency alleged her involvement in a case related to criminal collaboration and financial misconduct.

As part of its investigation, the EFCC reportedly conducted a raid on her residence, after which varying accounts surfaced about the amount of money recovered. Achimugu, however, declined to go into specifics regarding the alleged $13 million, explaining that the issue is already before the court.

She also expressed doubt about the source of the claim, emphasizing that she does not keep such large amounts of cash at home.

In her words: “First, I will not go deeply into the issue of $13 million. As you are aware, it is already a matter before the court, and it would be inappropriate for me to comment on it. I have confidence in Nigeria’s judicial process and trust that a fair judgment will be delivered in due course.

“However, I must correct the narrative that $13 million was found in my residence. Yes, my home was searched, but only $50,000 and N13 million, which belongs to my mother, was recovered, along with my personal items.

“I am unsure how the public came to believe that I had $13 million in my house. I am not a financial institution, so I would not store such an amount at home. I have children studying overseas, so it is necessary to keep some foreign currency available for emergencies.”

Continue Reading

Trending