Quick answer: A KRA PIN is free. Register on the iTax portal (itax.kra.go.ke) with your National ID number, date of birth, a working email address and phone number. After submitting, download your PIN certificate and the iTax password is sent by email. Once you have a PIN you must file a return every year (a nil return if you had no income).
Who Needs a KRA PIN?
- Anyone employed or doing business.
- Opening a till number, bank loans, buying land or vehicles.
- Registering a business (see our business registration guide).
- Many job applications and tenders.
Requirements
- Kenyan National ID (or alien ID/passport for non-citizens).
- Date of birth exactly as on your ID.
- Active email address (the certificate and password go there).
- Your phone number and physical address (county, town).
Steps to Register
- Go to itax.kra.go.ke and choose New PIN Registration.
- Select Individual and Online form.
- Enter your ID number and date of birth; confirm the details.
- Fill in contact and address information.
- Choose tax obligations (e.g. income tax resident individual).
- Submit and download your PIN certificate.
- Check your email for the iTax password; log in and change it.
Forgot Your Password or PIN?
Use "Forgot password" on iTax with your PIN and email. If your email has changed, KRA can update it through its official channels. You can also check a PIN with the PIN checker on iTax.
Filing Returns
Returns are due by 30 June each year for the previous year. If you had no taxable income, file a nil return. Late filing attracts penalties.
Small Business and Online Income
Income from online work, content creation and small businesses is taxable. Keep records of earnings and expenses; read about turnover tax and other obligations on KRA’s official website.
Beware of Fake "KRA Agents"
PIN registration is free and easy. Do not pay strangers who promise PINs, and never share your iTax password.
Example: Getting a PIN for a First Job
A form-four leaver gets a job offer that asks for a KRA PIN. Using his ID and a new email address on his phone, he registers on iTax in under 20 minutes, downloads the PIN certificate and emails it to the employer. He sets a reminder to file his return before 30 June every year.
Quick Checklist
- ID details match exactly
- Email you can access
- Certificate saved
- Return reminder set
Your First 30 Days
- Week 1: register on iTax and save your PIN certificate.
- Week 2: log in, change your password, confirm your email works.
- Week 3: set a calendar reminder for returns before 30 June.
- Week 4: start a simple income and expense record for any side income.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using an email you cannot access.
- Typing a date of birth different from your ID.
- Not filing nil returns.
- Paying "agents" for a free service.
Stay safe: never pay a "registration", "activation" or "withdrawal" fee to get paid, and never share your password or M-Pesa PIN. Real online income comes from people paying for your content, products or skills.
Create your free Stay Home Network account, or log in with H-MAIL on app.stayhomenetwork.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a KRA PIN free?
Yes, registration on iTax is free.
How long does it take to get a KRA PIN?
Usually minutes online if your details are correct.
What do I need to get a KRA PIN?
National ID number, date of birth, email and phone number.
Do students need a KRA PIN?
Students often need one for jobs, HELB processes or business; once registered, file returns yearly.
What is a nil return?
A return filed when you had no taxable income in the year.
Cover photo: A calculator, pen and notes for sorting out taxes. Photo: Red post-it label, calculator and ballpen by photosteve101, CC BY 2.0.
