Thousands of Kenyans hoping to benefit from the Tax Amnesty Programme will have to wait after the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) confirmed the amnesty feature has not yet been activated on the iTax platform.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

KRA confirmed the absence of the amnesty after concerns were raised about why the option remains unavailable despite the Finance Act 2026 introducing the programme.

Many Kenyans on Thursday, July 2, said they had attempted to settle their principal tax but could not proceed because the iTax portal has not enabled the amnesty application process.

"We are ready to make payment for principal tax owed, but payment of principal tax alone is not possible without first applying for amnesty. When do you plan to activate the amnesty tab on iTax?" posed a taxpayer.

📌 What You Need to Know

Responding to the concerns, KRA acknowledged the delay but urged taxpayers to remain patient , saying official communication will soon be issued.

According to the Authority, the clarification and guidance on the tax amnesty programme would be issued alongside other tax changes introduced under the Finance Act 2026.

"Kindly be patient as official communication will be issued regarding all tax changes introduced by the Finance Act 2026, including guidance on the implementation of the Tax Amnesty," KRA responded.

The delay has sparked frustration among many taxpayers who had expected the amnesty to take effect immediately after the law came into force.

Coupled with KRA's failure to extend the income tax filing deadline, many had hoped to use the programme to settle long-standing tax obligations without incurring penalties and interest.

Under the Finance Act 2026, e ligible taxpayers are expected to receive relief from accumulated penalties and interest once they pay the principal tax owed and meet the conditions set out by KRA.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke