For suppliers · Getting paid and staying compliant

KRA Tax Basics for Small Suppliers in Kenya: A Plain-Language Overview

Tax rules change, so this guide covers habits, not rates. Always check current rules with KRA or a tax adviser.

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By Qyvea LimitedPublished 2026-10-27Updated 2026-10-272 min read
On this page01. Why records matter02. Your PIN03. Regimes in general terms04. E-invoicing05. A monthly tax-habit routine06. Who to ask07. Questions to take to an adviser08. Do not rely on hearsay09. A typical scenario10. Common mistakes11. Quick checklist12. Frequently asked questions
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Quick answer

Keep a KRA PIN, record every sale and expense, use clean payout accounts and ask KRA or an adviser which regime applies to your business and what invoicing rules you must follow.

Key takeaways

  • Rules and rates change: confirm with KRA.
  • Records are your best protection.
  • Separate business and personal money.

01Why records matter

Whatever the regime, you will need to show sales and costs. Statements from Qyvea, your Till or bank and delivery notes are your evidence.

02Your PIN

Keep your KRA PIN safe and know its status. Some buyers ask for it.

03Regimes in general terms

Small businesses may be taxed on turnover and others on profit. Which applies depends on your business. Ask KRA or an adviser.

04E-invoicing

KRA has introduced electronic invoicing requirements for many businesses. Check whether you must use it.

05A monthly tax-habit routine

  1. Save all Qyvea statements and payout records.
  2. Keep supplier invoices for stock you buy.
  3. Record transport and packing costs.
  4. Reconcile bank or M-Pesa records to sales.
  5. Put aside money for tax as you earn, not at the deadline.

06Who to ask

KRA publishes guidance on its website and runs support channels. A qualified accountant can tell you which regime suits your size and whether e-invoicing applies to you. A short consultation costs far less than a penalty for filing wrongly.

07Questions to take to an adviser

  • Which tax regime applies to my turnover and structure?
  • Do I need to use e-invoicing?
  • Which expenses can I claim?
  • How should I treat stock and returns?
  • What records must I keep, and for how long?

08Do not rely on hearsay

Tax rules are often discussed informally and the details are frequently wrong or out of date. Use KRA guidance or a qualified adviser. Keep proof of your questions and the answers you receive.

09A typical scenario

A vendor keeps one folder per month with statements, delivery notes and receipts, which makes filing simple.

Illustrative example based on common cases, not a named vendor.

10Common mistakes

  • No records.
  • Mixed accounts.
  • Guessing rules.

11Quick checklist

  1. Keep PIN safe.
  2. File monthly folders.
  3. Ask KRA.

12Frequently asked questions

Does Qyvea give tax advice?

No. Ask KRA or a qualified adviser.

Do I need a PIN to sell?

Check the Vendor Terms and KRA guidance.

Which statements should I keep?

Qyvea statements, bank or M-Pesa records and delivery notes.

Where do I find current rates?

On the KRA website or through an adviser.

This guide describes how supplying through Qyvea works at the time of writing. The Vendor Terms and the Sell on Qyvea page are the final word on fees, returns and payment. Examples marked illustrative are not real vendors or earnings.

Why suppliers choose Qyvea

Free to joinCreating a vendor account costs nothing. Sponsorship is optional and paid from a wallet you top up.
Instant order alertsRequests reach your dashboard and email the moment they open, with a countdown to send your price.
Customers stay privateQyvea handles the customer, delivery and payment. You only deal with us.
Paid your wayM-Pesa phone, Till, Paybill or bank, with a statement of every order.

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