The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has issued a final 30-day compliance directive to all petrol stations and related service providers nationwide to adopt the electronic Tax Invoice Management System (eTIMS) for Fuel Outlets.
In a notice released on Tuesday, KRA warned that full enforcement will begin in January, noting that a majority of outlets have yet to onboard the system despite the earlier June 30 deadline.
What Is the eTIMS Fuel Station System?
The eTIMS Fuel Station System is a specialised, automated invoicing solution developed for the petroleum sector. It ensures:
- Real-time invoicing for each fuel transaction
- Direct integration with KRA systems
- Accurate automatic reporting, eliminating manual submissions
- Reduced paperwork across the fuel supply chain
The system works through a forecourt controller that connects with existing POS (Point of Sale) machines, enabling KRA to receive instant, tamper-proof transaction data.
Why KRA Is Enforcing This System
KRA says the move is meant to curb widespread revenue leakages caused by delayed or manual reporting at service stations. The authority emphasised that automation will improve:
- Transparency
- Efficiency
- Revenue accountability
Deadline & Enforcement
KRA has urged all retailers who have not yet complied to act with urgency.
“Retailers who fail to comply by December 31, 2025, will face enforcement measures as provided for under the law,” — KRA Notice
At the same time, the authority assured fuel retailers of continuous support and guidance during onboarding, encouraging anyone facing challenges to contact KRA immediately.
Timeline of Implementation
The rollout of the eTIMS fuel system began in June 2024, following:
- A phased introduction
- Voluntary pilots
- Stakeholder consultations
As of April 2025, five third-party integrators had been certified, with numerous fuel stations at different stages of onboarding.
Bottom Line
KRA is making its final push to ensure full automation and transparency in the petroleum sector. Fuel station operators now have one month to comply or face legal consequences starting January.